Methacton High School Program Planning Guide

METHACTON HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM PLANNING GUIDE Mission Statement The Methacton School District, with its strong tradition of excellence, will challenge all students to achieve their greatest potential and create a vibrant community of learners who appreciate diversity and will lead and succeed in a dynamic global society. Learn, Lead, Succeed -- Together

Jason Sorgini Principal

Dan Bontempo Karey Kochenour John Smink Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal

Paul Spiewak Jamie Gravinese Assistant Principal of Athletics and Activities Supervisor of Secondary Special Education A Message to Students and Parents This Curriculum Guide provides information and direction to students and parents as they begin the course selection process for the 2018-2019 school year. Through this booklet, the administration, school counselors, and teachers present a comprehensive listing of the varied course offerings available. Included are clear guidelines regarding pre-requisite courses, qualifying grades, sample schedules, as well as descriptions of individual courses to help students and parents make informed choices for the upcoming academic year.

A student’s high school academic program decisions are very important. The competition for college entrance, job placement, and the need for increased preparation and new graduation requirements have made these selections more important than ever. Because it is so important, we stress the need for the process to be a collaborative partnership between school personnel, student, and parent. Our goal is to challenge every student while affording them the opportunity to learn without overwhelming them. With the best interests of the student in mind, we want to be involved in this process by providing you feedback about past performance and future course expectations.

For the course selection process to be effective, parents and students are encouraged to be familiar with the contents of this online guide. Our counselors are available to answer questions you may have regarding courses and course selection. Students and parents are encouraged to consult with them and any other members of our teaching staff to obtain the maximum benefit of their expertise during course selection.

Finally, to develop an effective academic program, a student should have a goal toward which he or she is working. Our counselors have been using Naviance as an online tool to help students identify their areas of greatest interest. I strongly encourage you, as parents, to discuss academic goals with your child. If your student has a clear goal, help him/her align the chosen academic program to meet that end. While our state and local graduation requirements provide a general framework, they are no substitute for customizing a program toward an identified goal. I encourage you to use the resources and services available through our school counseling office and Naviance as you set goals and collaboratively plan the best academic program to reach them. Best wishes and good luck to you during your academic planning.

Jason F. Sorgini– Principal

Contents METHACTON HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM PLANNING GUIDE 1 COUNSELING DEPARTMENT 6 GENERAL INFORMATION 6 Admission Requirements 6 Course Selection Procedure 7 Subject Level Placements 8 Waiver Procedure 8 Deadline for Changes 9 Course Change Request - Prior to Deadline 9 Course Change Requests – After Deadline 9 Course Change Request – During School Year 9 Acceleration 10 Withdrawal/Fail Policy 10 Weighted Courses 11 Six-Day Cycle 11 Bell Schedule 11 Credits and Graduation Requirements 11 Credits Earned 11 Minimum and Maximum Credit Schedule 11 Graduation Requirements and Course Credit for Promotion Information 12 Family and Consumer Science 12 Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement 12 Arts/Humanities Requirement 13 Keystone Exams 13 Credits for Promotion 13 NCAA Academic Eligibility 13 PROGRAM OF STUDIES 14 Art Department 14 Business and Computer Education Department 14 Driver Education Department 15 English Department 15 Family and Consumer Sciences 15

Health and Physical Education Department 16 Mathematics Department 16 Music Department 17 Science Department 18 Science Course Selection Requirement Summary Sheet 18 Social Studies Department 19 Technology Education Department 20 World Language Department 21 North Montco Technical Career Center 22 Special Programs 22 Dual Enrollment Courses 22 Special Programs – English Language Learners 22 Special Programs – Gifted Learners 23 Advanced Placement Courses 23 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 24 Visual Arts 24 Business and Computer Education 27 Applied Business 28 Computers 29 Accounting 29 Driver Education 29 Driving Simulation/On-The-Road Training 29 Driver Education 30 English 30 Required English Courses 30 General English Requirements and Prerequisites 30 Required English Courses - Grade 9 30 Required English Courses - Grade 10 31 Required English Courses - Grade 11 31 Required English Courses - Grade 12 32 English Electives 33 English Advanced Placement 35 Family and Consumer Sciences Department 35 Health and Physical Education 37

Mathematics 39 Math Department Calculator Policy 39 Mathematics Course Sequencing 40 Secondary Mathematics Course Sequence 41 Mathematics Based Technology and Programming Courses 45 Music 46 Science 48 Recommended Sequence of Science Courses, with requirements fulfilled to advance 48 Advanced Placement Science 51 NMTCC Science 52 Social Studies 53 Recommended Sequence of Social Studies Courses 53 General Social Studies Requirements and Prerequisites 54 Social Studies Electives 56 Technology Education 58 Recommended Sequence for Technology Education Courses 58 Technology Education Offerings 59 Communications Technology Offerings 59 Engineering 60 Drafting Offerings 60 Telecommunications Offerings 61 Technology/Math 62 Technology and Career Initiatives 63 STEM Career Path Listing 63 World Languages 64 German 65 French 66 Spanish 69 Special Programs 71 Yearbook 71 Methacton Study Skills Seminar 71 Pre-Career Activity 71 ESL- English as a Second Language 72 Gifted Seminar program 73

Community Service Learning Program 74 Dual Enrollment Programs 74 Special Education Programs 76 Emotional support program 76 Learning support program 76 Learning support work/study program 76 Advanced Placement Programs 77 Courses 77 Advanced Placement Tests 78 NORTH MONTCO TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER INFORMATION 78 CONSTRUCTION TRADES CLUSTER 78 Construction Carpentry 78 Electrical Trades 78 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) 78 COSMETOLOGY CLUSTER 79 Culinary Arts Cluster 79 ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING CLUSTER 79 Drafting and Design 79 Mechatronics 79 Precision Machining 79 Welding & Fabrication 80 Horticulture (replaced Floral and Landscaping Cluster) 80 HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES CLUSTER 80 Biotechnology 80 Health Occupations 81 Protective Services 81 Allied Health Grade 12 81 POWER & TRANSPORTATION CLUSTER 82 Auto Collision Repair 82 Automotive Technology 82 Diesel Truck Technology 82 Recreational Power Equipment 82 WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS 82 VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS CLUSTER 83

Commercial and Advertising Art 83 Graphic Arts 83 Internet Technologies 83 SCHOOL TO CAREER LEARNING PROGRAMS AT NORTH MONTCO TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER: 83 Internship (non-paid) 83 Pennsylvania Youth Apprenticeship Program (PYAP) 83 Cooperative Education (Co-op) 84 SOAR – Students Occupationally and Academically Ready 84 Academic Programs 84 Tech Prep 84 Sample Student Schedules (Underclassmen) 84 Grade 9 85 Grade 10 85 Sample Student Schedules (Upperclassmen) 85 Grade 11 85 Grade 12 86

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT Mr. Peck A-Cl Ext. 25032 Mr. Ruminski Lo-Pa Ext. 25028 Mrs. Millrood Co-G Ext. 25408 Ms. Olitsky Pe-Sr Ext. 25031 Mr. Midgley H-Ll Ext. 25029 Mrs. Hartson St-Z Ext. 25038

This 2018-19 Program Planning Guide contains adjustments in credit value and graduation requirements to reflect the adopted strategic plan and current district guidelines. It is provided to assist in your many, important academic choices during your high school career. You are encouraged to refer to it often, share this information and discuss options with parents and teachers. GENERAL INFORMATION Admission Requirements To be eligible for admission to Methacton Senior High School, a student shall be a Methacton School District resident and have satisfactorily completed eighth grade as described and mandated by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Course Selection Procedure Department chair(s) and teachers provide counselors with a curriculum update prior to course selection meetings for students and parents.Teachers will be completing their online course recommendations following the midterm exam week and will be talking with students about the recommendations made during the week of February 5th to February 9th.

The high school administration and counseling department hold one evening course selection meeting for parents of 8th grade students planning to attend high school the next school year. Discussions in classrooms regarding the sequential courses in the subject area will be held after mid-term exams. For additional assistance, there will be information shared via video posted to the MHS website about Advanced Placement (AP) and th Dual Enrollment (DE) classes on February 7 . This informational video provides course descriptions and dialogue with both teachers and students for those interested in enrolling in AP or DE classes now, or for those who desire more information for future course planning.

The 8th grade students will be scheduling in Arcola computer labs with both Arcola and High School Counselors there to assist. th th th Current 9 , 10 , and 11 grades students will schedule at home with their parents during the established scheduling week (February 12 - 16). Students will then meet with their counselors in individual meetings between February 20th and March 16th.

Each student should carefully select those subjects that will comprise his/her program for the next school year. Students are encouraged to seek assistance and advice from their parents, teachers, and counselors. It is critical that all students complete these requests during these windows because staffing is based on the outcome of the student requests. Once these staffing decisions are made, alterations to the student requests cannot be guaranteed. Any appeal to drop to a lower academic level must be made by the parent directly to the teacher BEFORE the dates the child will be meeting with his/her counselor. Once in or beyond the established date range, please contact your child’s counselor.

Students are provided with a Course Request Form and Credit Tracker Form at the end of this Program Planning Guide. The completed Course Request Form is necessary for completing online scheduling and must include the teacher initials indicating that the course listed by the student is the recommended level for the following year. Both the student and parent should sign this form. It will be collected at the time of the student’s scheduling appointment with their school counselor.

The teacher initials indicate that the student is on track to finish the current course with the pre-requisite score to continue in the sequence indicated on the Course Request Form. The teacher placements reflect current student performance and the expectation of them reaching the pre-requisite scores for the next course in the th strand. All teacher determined placements in February are subject to re-evaluation later in the year (4 marking period interim). Parents will be notified by teachers of any necessary changes.

Scheduling eight to twelve course requests for more than 1500 individual students is a very complex process. Every effort is made to design a master schedule that will accommodate the greatest number of primary course requests (first choices) possible. Providing student placement into courses that reflect their talents, interests, and abilities is our highest priority and responsibility throughout the yearlong scheduling process. To that end, specific teacher requests cannot be accepted or honored because they negatively affect fulfilling primary course requests.

Subject Level Placements Placement of a student in the various levels of a subject shall be made by the professional staff and shall be based on the data collected during the year and determined by the required final course averages depicted in the following pages of this guide.

Waiver Procedure The recommendation process at Methacton High School is one that has seen ongoing revision with student success as the focus of that process. The primary goal is that of placing students in courses where they will be challenged while also having opportunities for growth and success. Additionally, the course prerequisites have been determined and reflect the best course of action as recommended by the content area specialists. The prerequisites and recommendations are implemented with the best interest of the students in mind.

Students and parents must complete this form when requesting a more academically challenging course over the course for which the student qualifies by their current academic grade. An essay is required.

Student Name: ______Current Teacher: ______ Current Course: ______Current Grade to date in this Course: ______

Course Requested ______Grade Requirement for Requested Course: _____

Students who are not more than five percentage points below the required grade and who request to be placed in the higher level course must complete the following:

My child and I are opting to enroll him/her in a course that is more academically challenging than the teacher recommended course even though he/she falls below the minimum required grade average. We acknowledge that this waiver is for an entire school year and recognize that no change will be made to his/her schedule without the student incurring a grade of Withdrawal/Fail (WF) (59% or lower) for the course. A WF constitutes a failing grade and may affect athletic/activity eligibility and GPA for the year.

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent Signature: ______Date: ______

Students and parents must request a waiver as soon as the currently earned grade does not meet the grade requirement for the requested course, whether that is following semester one, marking period three, or final year average. Students will have one week from the date report cards are available online to submit their request including the required essay. For semester one requests, please return these materials to your subject teacher. For marking period three or final year average requests, please submit them to your school counselor.

Please submit the required essay with your form. Please address the following considerations.

- What are your goals as they pertain to the course change?

- What are the specific steps you plan to take to meet the above listed goals?

- What will you do in the possible scenario that this course change creates a substantial challenge?

- Why is this course change in your best interest? * If a student chooses to drop the course for which he/she requested override or waiver within the established time frame for course changes, there is no guarantee that there will be space available in the alternate course for transfer. If the student still chooses to drop the course, a grade of withdrawal/fail (WF), which would be 59% or lower, will be entered on the student’s report card and transcript. This may affect athletic and activity eligibility.

Deadline for Changes All requests for changes NOT related to level changes in student schedules must be received in writing no later than June 8, 2018. (Ex. Taking a different elective or dropping a course that is not a graduation requirement.)

Course Change Request - Prior to Deadline All change requests will be honored, if possible. However, certain requests may be impossible to honor because of enrollment mandates, number of sections, conflicts with other courses selected, etc. To make a change, the student must provide to his/her current school counselor: ● A signed parental note indicating the course to be deleted, added, etc. ● Include the student’s name, grade, and ID number This must accompany all requests.

Course Change Requests – After Deadline Changes on a student’s schedule program after the deadline of June 8, 2018, are limited to: A) Successful completion of summer school, private tutoring. B) Computer/mechanical/clerical errors. C) Failure to pass a sequential course. D) Movement from one school to another. E) Change in post-secondary planning.

Course Change Request – During School Year Schedule changes are not routinely permitted during the school year, although extreme and/or unusual circumstances may dictate change. Once the year begins, students are expected to continue in and complete the courses selected for the official schedule.

Should a request be made for a course to be changed or dropped prior to the first interim of the year, the student will carry the grade achieved in the course to the course they pick up in its place. (If enrolled in Honors English and switching to Academic English, the grade earned in Honors will be transferred and calculated into the marking period for the Academic class.)

After the first interim date, dropped courses will result in a Withdrawal Fail (WF). This will appear on the transcripts for the student and will be calculated as a failed credit for the remainder of the year. NOTE: Students who are failing 2 or more credits are ineligible to participate in athletics or clubs until the 9 failure(s) is(are) rectified.

Acceleration Methacton features a comprehensive, sequential curriculum designed to meet the academic needs of all students within their high school career. In accordance with Methacton School Board Policy 124.1, “Acceleration through advanced or accelerated courses, pre-graduation college courses, summer work and other enrichment opportunities are encouraged by the Board. The Board will follow all applicable state laws when enforcing this policy.”

Be advised that at the time of this publication and due to state graduation requirements, Algebra I, and English 10 are not eligible for acceleration because students must pass a Keystone Exam to be awarded a diploma. Honors Biology is available for acceleration only for students attaining a > 95% in Environmental 9 Honors. Any Honors Biology acceleration student must be available to take the Biology Keystone Exam during the first week of August 2018 with no exception. Failure to score proficient will result in the student having to drop Chemistry to take Biology.

The complete information about how to accelerate is available online in the Parent/Student Handbook. Acceleration Request Forms are available in the School Counseling Office and must be completed before June 1, 2018. If the request is approved, acceleration grading/credit guidelines will be given to the student. Methacton will not recognize any course for credit unless this procedure is followed and completed in advance of the course(s) being taken.

Withdrawal/Fail Policy Withdrawal/Fail (WF) is a grade given rarely and reluctantly. It is expected that the student will benefit from, complete, and accept the final grade of the course begun. A schedule may be modified due to unusual circumstances before the interim (mid-point) of the first marking period. However, following that window, a grade of WF is recorded. A WF is recorded only after teacher input, parental contact, and administrative approval. A WF form must then be completed. It is important to select courses wisely and take into consideration the out-of-class workload that will be experienced with honors and AP level courses. Transferring to another level or section is not without Grade Point Average (GPA) ramifications and eligibility consequences (see Course Change above).

The WF will be posted to the report card until the grade earned by the student at the time of withdrawal is entered as the final course grade. The WF final grade percentage (or a 59% in the rare instance of a passing grade) will be factored into a student’s GPA, class rank, and eligibility. The credit value of the course from which the student withdraws will count as a failure for eligibility for sports and co-curricular activities for the remainder of the year. Failing two or more credits will result in a student being ineligible to participate in sports teams and clubs, groups, and school organizations (theater, band, class congress, etc.)

PLEASE BE ADVISED that students scoring less than 50% OR withdrawing from a course may not remediate that course, but must instead repeat the full course.

WARNING, this may impact a student’s ability to graduate on time with his or her cohort class if multiple credits must be repeated.

Weighted Courses Honors level courses will be multiplied by a factor of 1.1 when attempting to determine a grade point average for class rank. Advanced Placement courses will be multiplied by a factor of 1.2 for all students. Dual Enrollment (DE) courses are weighted as 1.1 and are identified beside the course in this Program Planning Guide. Over time, DE has proven to share a similar workload to our honors classes and is weighted accordingly.

Note: These weighted GPAs are not used for any internal purposes beyond the class rank.

Six-Day Cycle This High School operates on a six-day cycle schedule. Each day is alphabetized from A to F rather than identified by the weekday name. This scheduling method has several advantages. It accommodates a more efficient use of the special classroom facilities and guarantees the continuity of days despite the holiday calendar, or weather related interruptions.

Bell Schedule The schedule uses the term “periods” but still works in a modular fashion to accommodate a 30-minute lunch scheduled between 11:17am to 1:29pm. For each student there are seven instructional periods in a day plus a lunch (designated as A, B, or C). We run a 6-day cycle (A, B, C, D, E, and F). In this document, a period is a unit of time in the day that equals a 47-minute time block. The number of times a class meets over the year converts to Credits Earned. The students’ homeroom starts at 7:35am and the day ends at 2:20pm.

Credits and Graduation Requirements

Credits Earned 6 periods per cycle-all year 1.0 (this represents core courses and some major electives) 6 periods per cycle-one semester 0.5 (this represents many of our electives) 2 periods per cycle-one semester 0.3 (this represents PE when partnered with a science lab) 3 periods per cycle-all year 0.5 (this represents many of our electives) 3 periods per cycle-one semester 0.25 (this represents many of our electives) 7 periods per cycle-all year 1.2 (this represents our single lab science classes) 8 periods per cycle-all year 1.3 (this represents our double lab AP science classes)

Minimum and Maximum Credit Schedule To be considered a full-time student, the schedule must maintain the following minimum credits per year.

Grade 9 6.0 credits per year Grade 10 6.0 credits per year Grade 11, 12 6.0 credits per year

A student schedule is full when the minimum credits are scheduled. Students may schedule up to a possible 7.4 credits in a single year.

Graduation Requirements and Course Credit for Promotion Information

Subject Area Required Credits English ...... 4.00 Mathematics ...... 3.00 Science ...... 3.00 Social Studies ...... 4.00 Health ...... 0.25 Physical Education (9-12) ...... 1.50 Arts/Humanities ...... 2.00 FCS ...... 0.25 Electives ...... 4.50 Math/Science/Computer/Technology 1.00 Total 23.50

To be eligible for graduation a student in full residency shall satisfactorily complete the minimum program described above, AND: ● Demonstrate proficiency on the required Keystone Exams

Descriptions of these graduation requirements follow. Family and Consumer Science The following courses will count toward the FCS graduation requirement:

● Consumer Decisions, ● Focus on Foods, ● FACS, ● Child Development or ● S.T.E.P.S., ● Singles Survival ● Today’s Foods,

A student can take any one of these courses to fulfill the requirement for graduation.

Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement Math/Science courses are described later in this guide. The courses listed below will help satisfy the Computer/Technology credit:

Photography Introduction to Java AP Computer Science A Graphic Design Advanced Java Concepts Robotics Electronics Adv. Graphic Design Intro. to Broadcasting Video Yearbook & Broadcast Production Screen Printing & Design News Broadcasting and Promotional “Lights, Camera, Action” - Writing Communications and Producing Film Automated Accounting Materials in Structure and

Processing CADD Drafting AP Computer Science Principles

Arts/Humanities Requirement The departments and/or courses listed below will help satisfy the Arts/Humanities credits: Departments Courses Art Department English Dept. Electives Family & Consumer Science Dept. Social Studies Electives World Language Dept. Gifted Seminar Program Music Dept. English as a Second Language Technology Ed. Dept.

Keystone Exams We will continue to keep you updated on these exams as the information from the State evolves. The graduating class of 2020 and after are required to demonstrate proficiency in: th ● 1 English course (follows 10 grade English) (Literature) ● 1 math course (Algebra I) ● 1 science course (Biology)

Currently, each student in the 2020 class and younger must demonstrate proficiency in each of the three subject tests for a diploma to be awarded. If a student falls short of Proficient, a supplemental remedial class will be mandated and the student retested. Students need to pass each of two modules to be proficient. Students will th be retested in each window until the end of their 11 grade year to optimize their opportunity for success.

NOTE: The State will be “banking” or storing the scores of any student who takes the Algebra I Keystone in th th th th the spring of their 7 or 8 grade year as well as those taking the Biology and Literature in 9 and 10 grade for th use in compiling the School Performance Profile (SPP) when the cohort class reaches their 11 grade year. These achievement scores currently count for 50% of the school’s SPP.

Credits for Promotion A minimum number of credits need to be accumulated each year to be promoted: From Grade 9 to Grade 10 = 5.5 credits From Grade 10 to Grade 11 = 11.5 credits From Grade 11 to Grade 12 = 16.5 credits

NCAA Academic Eligibility Only those classes approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse to be “core courses” qualify a student for participation in Division I or Division II athletics. Methacton’s list of approved core courses is available in the school counseling department office or online at https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common .

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PROGRAM OF STUDIES * indicates that this course fulfills a grade level requirement or graduation requirement for that subject area.

Art Department Course Periods Numbe Name Grade /Yr Sem Credits Requirements r 0900 Studio Art I 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 0901 Studio Art II 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 Art I, 70% or better 0902 Studio Art III 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 Art II, 70% or better 0903 Adv. Drawing & Design 11-12 6 Sem .5 Art I, Art II, Art III 0904 Adv. Painting and Color 11-12 6 Sem .5 Art I, Art II, and Art III 0720 Photography 9-12 6 Sem .5 0721 Graphic Design 9-12 6 Sem .5 0722 Adv. Graphic Design 10-12 6 Sem .5 Computer Art I, Graphic Design, 80% or better 0723 Screen Printing & Design 10-12 3 Sem .25 Computer Art I, Graphic Design, 80% or better 0921 Ceramic Art I 9-12 6 Sem .5 0922 Ceramic Art II 10-12 6 Sem .5 Ceramic Art I, 80% or better 0923 Ceramic Art III 10-12 6 Sem .5 Ceramic Art II, 80% or better 0925 Wheel-Thrown Ceramics 9-12 3 Sem .25 Ceramic Art I, 80% or better 1973 AP Studio Art 12 6 Yr 1.0 Dept. Approval

Business and Computer Education Department Course Number Name Grade Periods Sem/Yr Credits Requirements 0601 Introduction to Business 9-12 6 Sem .5 0602 Personal Finance 9-12 6 Sem .5 0603 Business Law 9-12 3/6 Yr/Sem .5 0605 Entrepreneurship 10-12 6 Sem .5 0609 Marketing 10-12 6 Sem .5 0625 Spreadsheets 9-12 3 Sem .25 0630 Automated Accounting I 9-12 3/6 Yr/Sem .5 DE ECO Dual Enrollment Macro 10-12 6 Sem .5 121 Economics DE ECO Dual Enrollment Micro 10-12 6 Sem .5 122 Economics

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Driver Education Department

Course Number Name Grade Periods Sem/Yr Credits Requirements 0030 Classroom 9-12 3 Sem 1 .25 Age 16 prior to Feb. 14th 0032 Classroom 9-12 3 Sem 2 .25

English Department Course Sem/ Credits Number Name Grade Periods Yr Requirements *0091 Academic English 9 Survey 9 6 Yr 1.0 General English Requirements *0092 English 9 Honors 9 6 Yr 1.0 90% Avg. and Tchr. Rec. *0101 English 10 World Literature 10 6 Yr 1.0 General English Requirements *0102 Academic English 11 11 6 Yr 1.0 General English Requirements *0103 Academic English 12 12 6 Yr 1.0 General English Requirements *0107 English 10 Honors 10 6 Yr. 1.0 General English Requirements *0108 English 11 Honors 11 6 Yr 1.0 General English Requirements *0109 English 12 Honors 12 6 Yr 1.0 General English Requirements *0110 English 12 Writing Fellows 12 6 Yr 1.0 This can replace English 12; Grade review, interview, and recommendation from 11th Grade English Teacher 0118 Sports in Literature 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 0121 Introduction to Film 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 0124 Mythology and J.R.R. 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 Tolkien 0128/.5 Creative Writing 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 80% in previous English course 0135 Acting and Theatre 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 0138 Public Speaking 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 *1985 AP Capstone Seminar 10 6 Yr 1.0 1986 AP Capstone Seminar 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 Research *1974 AP English Lit. & Comp. 11 6 Yr 1.0 General English Requirements *1975 AP English Lang. and 12 6 Yr 1.0 General English Requirements Comp. DE ENG Literary Visions in Cinema 11-12 6 Sem 0.5 Prerequisite course: Intro to Film * indicates that this course fulfills a grade level graduation requirement for the mandated four years of English. Return to Table of Contents Family and Consumer Sciences Course Sem/ Number Name Grade Periods Yr Credits Requirements *0800 Focus on Foods 10-12 6 Sem 0.5 Satisfies Grad. Requirement

International/American Focus on Foods or Today’s 0801 Cuisine 11-12 6 Sem 0.5 Foods *0802 FACS of Life 10-12 3 Sem 0.25 Satisfies Grad. Requirement *0803 Today's Foods 9-10 6 Sem 0.5 Satisfies Grad. Requirement *0805 S.T.E.P.S. 9-10 3 Sem 0.25 Satisfies Grad. Requirement *0835 Singles Survival 11-12 3 Sem 0.25 Satisfies Grad. Requirement *0840 Child Development 11-12 6 Sem 0.5 Satisfies Grad. Requirement *0860 Consumer Decisions 9-10 3 Sem 0.25 Satisfies Grad. Requirement

* indicates that this course fulfills the .25 credits graduation requirement for the FCS subject area.

Health and Physical Education Department Course Name Grade Periods Sem/Yr Credits Requirements Number 0005 Physical Ed. Grades 9 & 10 9-10 3 YR 0.5 0007 Make-up Physical Education 9-10 3 Sem 1 0.25 0008 Make-up Physical Education 9-10 3 Sem 2 0.25 0011 Health 10 3 Sem 0.25 0013 Standard First Aid (with CPR 9-12 3 Sem 0.25 and AED) th 0017 Physical Ed Grade 11 11-12 3 YR 0.5 Required for 11 grade 0020 Adapted Physical Education 9-12 3 Sem 1 0.25 Department Approval 0022 Adapted Physical Education 9-12 3 Sem 2 0.25 Department Approval Return to Table of Contents Mathematics Department Course Name Grade Periods Sem/ Credits Requirements Number Yr *0409 Contemporary Calculus 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 Pre-Calculus (> 80% preferred) *0415 Academic Math 12 6 Yr 1.0 Algebra I; Geom. *0419 Algebra I 9 6 Yr 1.0 *0420 Algebra II 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 Alg. I & Fund. of Geo./Geom. *0421 Algebra II/Trig. 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 80% in Alg. I & Geometry *0422 Algebra III/Trig. 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 80% in Alg. II or less than 80% in Alg. II / Trig. *0426 Algebra II/Trig. Honors 9-10 6 Yr 1.0 83% in Hon. Alg. I, and Hon Geo. *Appropriate placement test score * *No acceleration* *0427 Trigonometry 12 6 Sem 0.5 Teacher Rec Fundamentals of Geometry 6 Yr 1.0 less than 80% in Alg. I, *0429 9-12 Geometry 6 Yr 1.0 Placement Test if less than 80% in *0430 9-12 Algebra I

*0432 Geometry Honors 9 6 Yr 1.0 83% in Hon. Alg. I, *Appropriate placement test score * Math Foundations 3 Yr 0.5 Required based on grades and 0438 9-11 standardized testing results *0441 Pre-Calculus 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 80% Alg. II/Trig or Alg. III/Trig Pre-Calculus Honors 6 Yr 1.0 83% Hon Alg. II/Trig. * Appropriate *0442 10-11 placement test – NO Acceleration * *0453 Probability 11-12 6 Sem 0.5 Algebra II 0455 Introduction to Computer 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 80% Alg. I Science (Intro to Java) 0456 Advanced Java Concepts 11-12 3 Yr 0.5 75% in AP Computer Science A 0460 Robotics Electronics 9-12 6 Sem .5 80% or above in Algebra *1978 AP Calculus AB 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 83% in Pre-Calculus Hon. 95% Pre- Calculus, *1983 AP Calculus BC 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 Calculus AB *1993 AP Statistics 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 85% in Alg. II/Trig. (if just taken) or 85% in Pre-Calculus 1997 AP Computer Science 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 85% or better in Algebra 1 and Principles Geometry AND an 80% in English 1998 AP Computer Science A 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 a) 85% in Introduction to Java OR b) th th Honors/AP Math in rising 11 or 12 grade OR c) 80% in AP Computer Science Principles

* indicates that this course counts toward the graduation requirement of three mandated Mathematics credits. Return to Table of Contents Music Department

Course Sem/ Number Name Grade Periods Yr Credits Requirements 0932 Concert Band 9-12 3 Yr 0.5 Teacher Approval 0934 Concert Band 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 Teacher Approval 0940 String Ensemble 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 Strings only 0942 String Orchestra 9-12 3 Yr 0.5 Strings only 0951 Concert Choir 3 Yr 9-12 0.5 (Chorus) 0953 Concert Choir 6 Yr 9-12 1.0 (Chorus) 0956 Chorale 3 Yr Audition (Advanced 9-12 0.5 Chorus) 0958 Chorale 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 Audition

(Advanced Chorus) 0960 Guitar 9-12 3 Sem 0.25 0968 Music Theory & 3 Yr 9-12 0.5 Comp. I 0969 Music Theory & 3 Yr 80% Theory & Composition I 10-12 0.5 Comp. II 80% Theory & Composition II or Teacher 1991 AP Music Theory 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 Approval

Science Department **Because there are typically two requirements for each science course (a math requirement and science requirement) these are listed in a separate chart below. Course Sem/ Number Name Grade Periods Yr Credits *0505 Environmental 9 Science 9 6 Yr 1.0 *0506 Environmental 9 Science Honors 9 6 Yr 1.0 0507 Environmental 9 Sci. Accelerated Study 9 2 Sem 0.2 *0511 Academic Biology 10 6 Yr 1.0 *0510 Biology Honors 9-10 6 Yr 1.0 *0513 Human Anat. & Phys. 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 *0514 Chem. Comm. 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 *0530 Academic Chemistry 10-12 7 Yr 1.2 DE CHEM General Chemistry I 1.2 10-12 7 Yr 121 *0535 Chemistry Honors 10-11 7 Yr 1.2 *0545 Oceanography & Marine Bio 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 *0549 Conceptual Physics 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 *0550 Academic Physics 11-12 7 Yr 1.2 *0551 Physics Honors 11-12 7 Yr 1.2 *1979 AP Environmental 11-12 8 Yr 1.3 *1980 AP Chemistry 11-12 8 Yr 1.3 *1981 AP Biology 11-12 8 Yr 1.3 *1982 AP Physics (Calculus) 12 8 Yr 1.3

* indicates that this course counts toward the graduation requirement of three mandated Science credits. Return to Table of Contents

Science Course Selection Requirement Summary Sheet Course Science Requirement Math Requirement Academic Biology Pass previous science course th Hon. Biology (10 gr.) 90% Hon. Env. 9 Science (or 95% 18

Acad. Env. 9 Science) Chem. Com Passed Biology Academic Chemistry 70% Academic Biology 70% Algebra 1 Dual Enrollment Chem. 82% Academic Biology (72% 82% Alg. I (72% Hon.) 82% Geometry Honors) (72% Hon.) Hon. Chemistry 80% Hon. Biology (90% Academic 80% Hon Alg.1 (90% Academic) 80% Bio) Hon. Geom. (90% Academic) Conceptual Physics Passed Chemistry Academic Physics Passed Chemistry 70% in Alg. II /Trig (80% Alg. II) Hon. Physics 80% Honors Chem. or Any ONE of the following: 87% Dual Enrollment Chem. or 70% Hon. Alg. II/Trig (80% Academic) 90% Academic Chem. 70% Hon. Pre-Calc. (80% Academic) 80% Alg. III/Trig or 90% Alg. II Environmental Passed Biology Oceanography Passed Env.9 Sci. and Biology “Rock on” - Geology of 75% in Academic Environmental our Changing Planet Science Anatomy & Physiology 80% Hon. Bio. (85% Academic Bio.) 75% Hon. Chem. (80% Academic/DE) AP Biology 85% in Hon. Bio (95% Academic Bio) 80% in Hon. Chem. (85% Academic/83% DE) AP Chemistry 87% Hon. Chem. (97% Academic /94% DE) 85% Hon. Alg. II/Trig (95% Academic) 82% Hon. Biology AP Environmental 80% Hon. Bio. (85% Academic) 70% Algebra 75% Hon. Chem. (80% Academic/DE) AP Physics 87% in physics Calculus (concurrent or completed)

Return to Table of Contents Social Studies Department For all courses, see General Social Studies Requirements on page 58.

Course Name Sem/ Number Grade Periods Yr Credits Requirements European Studies 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *0201 9 Requirement *0202 European Studies 9 Honors 9 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St.

Requirement World Cultures 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *0204 10 Requirement World Cultures 10 Honors 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *0205 10 Requirement U.S. & PA Cultures 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *0211 11 Requirement U.S. & PA Cultures Honors 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *0212 11 Requirement 0240 Psychology 10-12 6 Yr 0.5 0241 Forensic Psychology 12 6 Sem 0.5 70% in AP Psychology U.S. Gov. & Economics 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *0251 12 Requirement U.S. Gov. & Econ. Honors 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *0252 12 Requirement 0263 Sociology 10-12 6 Sem 0.5 0264 Criminal Justice 10-12 6 Yr 0.5 *+1969 AP European History 9 6 Yr 1.0 See course description AP U.S. Govern. + Politics 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *+1970 12 Requirement *+1971 AP Human Geography 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description +1976 AP Psychology 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description AP United States History 6 Yr 1.0 General Soc. St. *+1977 11 Requirement * indicates this course fulfills the grade level graduation requirement for the mandated 4 years of Social Studies. Return to Table of Contents Technology Education Department Course Sem/ Credits Number Name Grade Periods Yr Requirements 0710 Introduction to Engineering 10-12 3/6 Yr/Sem 0.5 0743 Materials in Structure and 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 CADD Drafting Processing

0750 Automated Manufacturing 10-12 6 Sem 0.5 CADD Drafting

0761 CADD Drafting 9-12 6 Yr 1.0

0762 CADD Drafting II - Architectural 10-12 6 Sem 0.5 CADD Drafting

0769 CADD Drafting II - Mechanical 10-12 6 Sem 0.5 CADD Drafting 0720 Photography 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 0721 Graphic Design 9-12 6 Sem 0.5

0722 Adv. Graphic Design 6 Sem 0.5 Computer Art I, Graphic 10-12 Design, 80% or better 0723 Screen Printing & Design 3 Sem 0.25 Computer Art I, Graphic 10-12 Design, 80% or better 2300 Intro to Broadcasting 9-12 6 Sem 0.5 2301 News Broadcasting & Promotional 6 Sem 0.5 Intro. to Broadcasting 10-12 Communications 2302 Video Yearbook & Broadcast 6 Sem 0.5 Intro. to Broadcasting 10-12 Production 2303 “Lights, Camera, Action” – Writing 6 Sem 0.5 Intro. to Broadcasting 10-12 and Producing Film

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World Language Department The 70% average requirement below is a minimum for each marking period and the final course average. Honors Requirements - 92% average in Assessments required the previous year to enter the Honors Program for the first time. An 85% average is required to remain in the Honors Program. An 85% is required in Level 4 Honors Language to take the AP Language course.

Course Sem/ Number Name Grade Periods Yr Credits Requirements 0300 German 1 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 0301 German 2 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 German 1, 70% average 0302 German 3 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 German 2, 70% average 0303 German 4 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 German 3, 70% average 0308 German 4 Honors 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above 0309 German 5 Honors 12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above 0310 French 1 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 0311 French 2 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 French 1, 70% average 0312 French 2 Honors 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above 0313 French 3 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 French 2, 70% average 0316 French 3 Honors 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above 0314 French 4 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 French 3, 70% average 0317 French 4 Honors 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above 0315 French 5 12 6 Yr 1.0 French 4, 70% average 0330 Spanish 1 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 0331 Spanish 2 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 Spanish 1, 70% average 0332 Spanish 2 Honors 9-12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above 0333 Spanish 3 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 Spanish 2, 70% average 0339 Spanish 3 Honors 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above 0334 Spanish 4 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 Spanish 3, 70% average

0340 Spanish 4 Honors 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above 0335 Spanish 5 12 6 Yr 1.0 Spanish 4, 70% average +1994 AP Spanish 12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above +1995 AP French 12 6 Yr 1.0 Honors Requirements above

North Montco Technical Career Center * indicates that this course fulfills a graduation requirement for Health/PE or Social Studies.

Course Sem/ Number Name Grade Periods Yr Credits Requirements 0995 NMTCC AM 9 -10 18 Yr 2.25 0997 NMTCC PM 11-12 18 Yr 2.25 or 3 *1021 NMTCC Health and PE 9-11 - Yr 0.75 *1062 NMTCC Tech and Global Stud 11 11 - Yr 1.0 *1063 NMTCC Tech and Global Stud 12 12 - Yr 1.0

Special Programs

Course Course Title Sem/ Number Grade Periods Yr Credits Requirements 0185 Yearbook 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 1070 Pre-Career Activity Sem. 1 11-12 - Sem 0.5 1072 Pre-Career Activity Sem. 2 11-12 - Sem 0.5

Dual Enrollment Courses Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. These elective classes are weighted by a factor of 1.1.

Course Number Course Title College Credits MHS credits Earned earned DE CHEM 121 General Chemistry 4 College credits 1.2 DE CHI 101 Elementary Chinese 3 College credits 0.5 DE ECO 121 Macroeconomics 3 College credits 0.5 DE ECO 122 Microeconomics 3 College credits 0.5 DE EDU 100 Introduction to Education 3 College credits 0.5 DE ENG 238 Literary Vision of Film 3 College credits 0.5 DE EDU 210 Educational Psychology 3 College credits 0.5 DE NMTCC Biotechnology with NMTCC 6 College credits NMTCC credit

Special Programs – English Language Learners (selected students only) Course Name Grade Periods Sem/ Requirements Credits Number Yr

2201 English as a Second Lang 1 9-12 12 Yr varies 2202 English as a Second Language 2 9-12 12 Yr varies 2203 English as a Second Language 3A 9-10 6 Yr 1.0 2206 English as a Second Language 3B 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 2204 English as a Second Language 4A 9-10 6 Yr 1.0 2207 English as a Second Language 4B 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 2205 English as a Second Language 5 9-12 3/6 Yr 0.5 or 1.0

Special Programs – Gifted Learners Course Name Grade Periods Sem/ Requirements Credits Number Yr 5013 Gifted Seminar 1 9 3 Yr 0.5 5014 Gifted Seminar 2A 10 3 Yr 0.5 Summer Reading Assignment 5015 Gifted Seminar 2B 11 3 Yr 0.5 5016 Gifted Seminar 3 12 HR Yr 0.5

Advanced Placement Courses Open to juniors and seniors. The + indicates that this course carries a weight of 1.2 Course Sem/ Number Name Grade Periods Yr Credits Requirements 1969 AP European History 9 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1970 AP U.S. Government 12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1971 AP Human Geography 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1973 AP Studio Art 12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1974 AP English 11 11 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1975 AP English 12 12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1976 AP Psychology 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1977 AP United States History 11 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1978 AP Calculus AB 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1979 AP Environmental 11-12 8 Yr 1.3 See course description 1980 AP Chemistry 11-12 8 Yr 1.3 See course description 1981 AP Biology 11-12 8 Yr 1.3 See course description 1982 AP Physics (Calculus) 12 8 Yr 1.3 See course description 1983 AP Calculus BC 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1985 AP Capstone Seminar 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1986 AP Capstone Research 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1991 AP Music Theory/Comp. 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1993 AP Statistics 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1994 AP Spanish 12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1995 AP French 12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description 1997 AP Computer Science 11-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description

Principles 1998 AP Computer Science A 10-12 6 Yr 1.0 See course description

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS The following pages of the "Program Planning Guide" contain brief descriptions of each high school course listed in the above table. As you read the descriptions and begin to make choices, please keep the following in mind: Courses marked "1 credit" are full year courses. Courses marked ".5 credits" are 1 semester (1/2 year) courses. Any exceptions will be noted on the course description.

The availability of elective courses is dependent upon student enrollment and cannot be guaranteed. A course may not run (be scheduled) if the number of students enrolling is too low, or if qualified staff is not available.

THE COURSES IN THE FOLLOWING SECTION ARE LISTED BY DEPARTMENT AND NOT BY DIFFICULTY. STUDENTS SHOULD BE SURE TO SELECT COURSES FOR THE APPROPRIATE GRADE AND APPROPRIATE LEVEL. DISCUSSIONS WITH TEACHERS AND SCHOOL COUNSELORS CAN HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE THE MOST BENEFICIAL COURSES.

Visual Arts 0900 STUDIO ART I Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Students will be required to supply some basic materials. Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit Students will explore the basic elements of art with emphasis on drawing, color, and experimentation in art materials. This is the first course for what may be a continuous art major.

0901 STUDIO ART II Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 credit Students will be required to supply some basic materials. Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: Art I, 70% average or better For the student who has completed Art I: an intermediate studio lab in drawing, painting, and design techniques. This course will stress student experimentation in many 2 dimensional areas.

0902 STUDIO ART III Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Students will be required to supply some basic material. Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Prerequisite: Art I, II Requirement: Art II, 70% average or better. This advanced studio course focuses on drawing, including figure drawing, perspective, self-portraiture, and observational drawing. Student assignments will become an integral part of their art portfolio. Art III is a requirement for any student wishing to take AP Studio Art.

0903 ADVANCED DRAWING AND DESIGN Offered in grades 11, 12 0.5 credits Students will be required to supply some basic materials. meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester

Requirement: Successful completion of Art I, Art II, Art III. This course is for the advanced art student to explore basic design concepts as they relate to varied approaches of drawing and two-dimensional design. A variety of media and techniques will be covered. Diverse subject matter will be dealt with.

0904 ADVANCED PAINTING AND COLOR Offered in grades 11, 12 0.5 credits Students will be required to supply some basic materials. Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Successful completion of Art I, Art II, Art III. This course is for the advanced art student and will explore color and design concepts as related to painting. Media will be primarily acrylic paint, but oil and watercolor painting techniques will be explored.

0720 PHOTOGRAPHY Offered in grades 9-12 0.5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Recommended: Digital Camera with at least 16 megapixels This is an introductory course for students who have an interest in learning photography as an art form. Students will be provided a working knowledge of a camera, the computer, Adobe Photoshop, processes and techniques to produce digital works of art and the history of Photography. Creative interpretation is developed through the use of additional hardware such as the digital camera, scanners and various printing techniques. Coursework will include but not limited to assignments and exercises emphasizing the use of software tools, composition, color, digital imagery, web design and the use of digital imaging for expressive purposes. It is highly recommended for students to provide their own digital camera with at least 16 megapixels. *This class counts as a Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement.

0721 GRAPHIC DESIGN Offered in grades 9-12 0.5 Credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester This course is designed to cover the basic fundamentals of computer graphics’ technology with an introduction to Adobe Illustrator, advertising, desktop publishing, illustration and graphic design. An emphasis will be placed on understanding proper layout and design principles. Scanning, printing, digital photography, image manipulation, video editing, web design and a variety of software applications will be covered. *This class counts as a Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement.

0722 ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN Offered in grades 10-12 0.5 Credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Prerequisite: 80% or better in Graphic Design or Computer Art 1 This course will provide practical experience to students who are considering computer graphics as a career. Students will develop an individual graphic design style using a variety of software for advertising, marketing, web design, illustration and graphic design. A strong emphasis will be placed on mastering proper layout and design principles. *This class counts as a Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement.

0723 SCREEN PRINTING & DESIGN Offered in grades 10-12 0.25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, 1 semester Prerequisite: 80% or better in Graphic Design or Computer Art 1 Screen Printing provides students with the skills necessary for an entry level position in the screen printing industry. Each student has a hands-on experience in all aspects of creating original designs and the screen printing process. Utilizing hand methods for design preparation, as well as the computer, students print flat work such as stickers, fabric, and T-shirts. Proper clean-up and screen reclamation are also taught. *This class counts as a Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement.

0921 CERAMIC ART I Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits There will be a lab fee of $15 for materials. Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester This course will explore hand building methods such as pinch, coiling, slab construction, and sculpture as well as methods of decoration. Students will also learn firing and glazing procedures.

0922 CERAMICS ART II Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits There will be a lab fee of $15 for materials. Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Ceramic Art I, 80% average or better This course is for the advanced ceramic student who has successfully completed Ceramics 1. Emphasis will be placed on mastery of the potter’s wheel, production of functional pottery, ceramics sculpture, and study of professional ceramic artist’s work.

0923 CERAMIC ART III There will be a lab fee of $15 for materials. Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Ceramic Art II, 85% average or better This course is for the highly motivated art student who is interested in developing his/her skills in ceramic art using 3-dimensional principles of art. Students will be responsible for their own firing and will learn how to operate the kiln. Students taking this class will acquire the necessary skills to enroll in the AP art course 3- dimensional portfolio. Advanced throwing skills and additive/subtractive sculpture skills will be taught, as well as an emphasis on the exploration of mixed media outside of clay and glaze. Written proposals for all projects will be required as well as sketches that indicate visual planning. Evaluation for this course will be in alignment with some of the AP standards.

0925 WHEEL-THROWN CERAMICS Offered in grades 9-12 .25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Ceramic Art I, 80% average or better The potter’s wheel is one of the oldest, most efficient ways of making functional ceramics, but can also be one of the most challenging to master. This course is designed to allow students access to regular practice on the potter’s wheel, giving them the opportunity to work toward mastery. Students taking this course will learn a variety of techniques to improve their skill on the wheel. Basic knowledge of the clay process and firing cycle are required, therefore, successful completion of Ceramic Art 1 serves as a prerequisite. The equipment provided can accommodate 16 students per section of this course.

+1973 ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDIO ART Offered in grade 12 1.0 credit

Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 80% in Art III or be taking Art III concurrently; Art Department chairperson approval needed. Students are strongly advised to take Advanced Drawing and Design and Advanced Painting and color in conjunction with this Advanced Placement course. The Advanced Placement in Studio Art is intended for highly motivated students committed to serious study in art. This course involves significantly more time than most high school art courses. In this course, students will select their own areas of concentration.

Students are to select one of the following portfolios to complete for AP credit: Drawing Portfolio This portfolio is designed to address a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media. Light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and illusion of depth are drawing issues that can be addressed through a variety of means. Many works of painting, printmaking, and mixed media, as well as abstract, observational, and inventive works, may qualify.

2-D Design This portfolio is intended to address a very broad interpretation of two-dimensional design issues. For this portfolio, students are asked to demonstrate proficiency in two-dimensional design using a variety of art forms. These include, but are not limited to, graphic design, typography, digital imaging, photography, collage, fabric design, weaving, illustration, painting, and printmaking. A variety of approaches to representation, abstraction, and expression may be a part of the student’s portfolio.

3-D Design This portfolio is intended to address a broad interpretation of sculptural issues in depth and space. These may include mass, volume, form, plane, light, and texture. A variety of approaches to representation, abstraction, and expression may be a part of the student’s portfolio. These might include traditional sculpture, architectural models, apparel, ceramics, three-dimensional fiber arts, or metalwork. A listing of the specific components of each portfolio may be obtained from Department Chair.

Business and Computer Education Collectively the business department has modified the curriculum to provide students with an opportunity to learn lifelong skills. The goal is to expand educational options, provide for college prep and job prep, offer a job-prep path to success, challenge students academically, broaden work and study options, and help students acquire lifelong skills and habits that will apply to any career. Whether you enter the workforce during high school, immediately after graduation, or following the completion of college, the knowledge and skills gathered in this department can transfer into skills and background to help you on your way to success.

Applied Business offered in grades 9 10 11 12 0601 Introduction to Business X X X X 0602 Personal Finance X X X X 0603 Business Law X X X X 0605 Entrepreneurship X X X 0609 Marketing X X X Accounting offered in grades 9 10 11 12 0630 Automated Accounting I X X X X Computers offered in grades 9 10 11 12

0625 Spreadsheets X X X X

Applied Business 0601 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: None This course will introduce students to the world of business. This semester class will explore concepts such as needs and wants, supply and demand, types of industry and economies, technology and computers in business, as well as the student’s role as a consumer and how they have influence on our economy. The goal of the course is to give students a basic knowledge and vocabulary of how business in our country works to prepare them for a future career or simply to equip them with the skills and basic knowledge to make reasonable consumer and business decisions in the future.

0602 PERSONAL FINANCE Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Credit, insurance, investments, budgeting and money management are the main topics covered in this course. The students will learn the much needed strategies and terminology that will allow them to make better financial decisions in their future. Specific activities include researching interest rates, balancing a checkbook, creating an investment plan that includes a stock portfolio and creating a monthly budget. Interviewing and employment skills are also addressed.

0603 BUSINESS LAW Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester or 3 periods per cycle, 1 year Business Law involves study in very basic, everyday matters that everyone should understand to function well in our society. This course will cover important topics such as Our Laws, Ethics, The Court System, Criminal Law, Personal Injury Law, Contracts, Consumer Protection, and Real/Renting Property. These are real-world survival skills.

0605 ENTREPRENEURSHIP Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester or 3 periods per cycle, 1 year The need to achieve, to control one’s own ideas and to use your ability to be creative are just some of the reasons a person might start his/her own business. Entrepreneurs are an integral part of our economy. Many of our students may be in a position to start their own business or take over a family business. This course will go over the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs as well as the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Key topics will be planning and organizing the business, marketing, (product, location, price, advertising, etc...) and financial management for a small business. Students will choose a business to start and create a business plan to organize their new venture. The course also includes a restaurant simulation that will allow them to make decisions of a business owner in all aspects of the business.

0609 MARKETING Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester or 3 mods per cycle, 1 year

This project-based business course is designed to acquaint the student with the role of marketing in our economy mainly through the areas of products such as: food and beverage, and services such as: sports, entertainment, fashion, and more. This course will cover the following: marketing today and tomorrow, marketing basics, consumer behavior, competition, the 4 P’s (product/service, place/distribution, price, and promotion), marketing information and research, developing a marketing strategy and marketing plan, and planning your future in marketing.

Computers 0625 SPREADSHEETS Offered in grades 9-12 .25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, 1 semester This course will familiarize the student with the features of Microsoft Excel. This course will develop competencies and proficiency in fundamental computer skills. Students will learn to use a computer as a personal and business tool. Using Basic and Advanced techniques, students will create and manipulate date, format and analyze data and content, create and modify formulas, present data visually, and collaborate on and secure data using Microsoft Excel.

Accounting 0630 AUTOMATED ACCOUNTING I Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester or 3 periods per cycle, 1 year Emphasis will be placed on learning the accounting cycle and analyzing transactions for a service business organized as a sole proprietorship. Students will focus on financial accounting principles and apply their skills to real life automated accounting simulations. Students will be better prepared to make economic decisions. An excellent course for any student considering Business or Accounting as a career.

Return to Table of Contents Driver Education

DRIVER EDUCATION 0030 Classroom sem. 1(age 16 prior to Feb. 14 of school year) 0032 classroom sem. 2 (age 16 after Feb. 14 of school year) Offered in grades 9*-12 .25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Highly recommended in grade 10, *available to older students in grade 9 that will apply for permits while in 9th grade. Classroom Driving Education strives to provide an environment for the future driver that will enable the student to develop a wholesome attitude toward the driving task and others who use the highways. Areas of concentration in this course include a discussion of the accident problem, drunk driving, traffic laws, automobile insurance, driver attitudes, and information related to the operation of the car.

Driving Simulation/On-The-Road Training Requirement: classroom course 0030 or 0032 is a prerequisite for on-the-road driving. Students may elect to be in this program when they reach the age of sixteen through a direct application to Mr. Lenahan. Each student enrolled in this program receives a minimum of six hours in the driving simulator system

29 and six hours of actual driving instruction. Emphasis is placed on the development of driving perception, positive driving attitudes, and the basic skills involved in operating the automobile. Successful completion of this program enables many students to benefit from insurance rate reductions and to receive a senior operator’s license at age seventeen and one half rather than eighteen. At the completion of the program, students will be able to earn a PA driver’s license. Fee-approximately $325.00.

Driver Education Driver Education Theory is available in grade 10. If the parent wishes to delay enrollment to a later year, the wishes of the parent will be honored. However, no guarantee can be made that the course can be scheduled at a later date or summer school. Return to Table of Contents English * indicates that this course fulfills a grade level graduation requirement for the mandated four years of English. Required English Courses

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 English 9 Survey or English 10 World Literature or Academic English 11 or Academic English 12 or English 9 Honors English 10 Honors, or AP English 11 Honors or English 12 Honors or Capstone Seminar AP English 11 English 12 Writing Fellows or AP English 12 General English Requirements and Prerequisites ● To advance English curricular levels (ex. Academic 11 to Honors 12), the student must have earned a minimum average of 90% in the previous English course. ● To enroll in an English Honors level course, the student must have earned a minimum average of 70% in the previous English Honors level course or have passed the previous English AP level course. ● To enroll in an English AP level course, the student must have earned a minimum average of 70% in the previous English AP course, or have earned a minimum average of 90% in the previous English Honors level course. Required English Courses - Grade 9 *0091 ACADEMIC ENGLISH 9 SURVEY Required in grade 9 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year The ninth grade English program is a full-year course that incorporates grammar, writing, and a variety of literary genres. Vocabulary development and the fundamentals of the research process in MLA format are also integral elements of the freshman course. Students are required to complete mandatory summer reading(s) between 8th and 9th grade.

*0092 ENGLISH 9 HONORS Offered in grade 9 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Scheduled in place of 0091 Requirement: 90% average in grade 8 English Required Summer Reading: book(s) to be announced In an enriched atmosphere, which places major emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, problem solving,

30 collaborative learning, and process writing, the student will experience all aspects of the standard curriculum for ninth grade English. Those aspects include grammatical concepts, composition, mythology, drama, poetry, the short story, and the novel. Efforts will be made to link literary themes to the historical periods discussed in the ninth grade Social Studies courses. Students are required to complete mandatory summer reading(s) between 8th and 9th grade. Required English Courses - Grade 10 *0101 ENGLISH 10 WORLD LITERATURE Required in grade 10 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year In this full year course, students will read and explore world literature. In addition, students will read a novel. The course of study will be in conjunction with the scope and sequence of the curriculum covered in 10th grade World Cultures. Students will utilize the steps of the writing process to produce essays and oral presentations. Students will present three speeches as a part of the course requirements. Vocabulary will be literature-based. Students are required to complete mandatory summer reading(s) between freshman and sophomore years.

*0107 ENGLISH 10 HONORS Offered in grade 10 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Scheduled in place of 0101 General English Requirements and Prerequisites apply This full-year course is designed for the college bound student who enjoys collaborative learning, group presentations, and demonstrates critical thinking skills. Students will read several novels from non-Western authors while also exploring literary selections from the early Greek and Roman cultures, as well as China, Japan, Africa, India and Asia. Aspects of the standards-based English curriculum include essay writing, speeches, the epic, the novel, poetry. Vocabulary is a separate, weekly component to better prepare students for their SATs. In addition, students will write and defend a persuasive research paper on a current controversial topic. Students are required to complete 3 summer reading selections between their freshman and sophomore years. These novels will be discussed and tested upon returning to school.

*1985 AP CAPSTONE SEMINAR Offered in grade 10. This course fulfills the 10th grade English requirement 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Scheduled in place of 0101 General English Requirements and Prerequisites apply; however, prospective students should be self-motivated, have very strong reading and writing skills, and be willing to engage collaboratively and independently with the course instructor and fellow students. Students will also submit a writing sample from their current course for review and approval.

AP Capstone Seminar is a year-long course that has students investigate real-world issues from multiple perspectives. Students learn to synthesize information from different sources, develop their own lines of reasoning in research-based written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. The course is designed to challenge students to think critically about complex issues and form their own opinion about them. Students are empowered to collect and analyze information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. AP Seminar is the first year of the two-year AP Capstone Program.

Required English Courses - Grade 11 Beginning in the eleventh grade, students will choose from a range of required courses based on interest and future plans. If not in Advanced Placement, all students must choose either Honors or Academic.

*0102 ACADEMIC ENGLISH 11 Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit General English Requirements and Prerequisites apply Academic English 11 is designed for those students seeking a standard college preparatory curriculum, with a focus on all aspects of Language Arts including, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and research and presentation skills. American Literature is emphasized. Included in this yearlong course will be an introduction and implementation of the basic skills necessary in organizing and developing thoughts and ideas in the written form. Students are required to complete mandatory summer readings between their sophomore and junior years.

*0108 ENGLISH 11 HONORS Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit General English Requirements and Prerequisites apply English 11 Honors is designed for those students seeking a challenge and an increased level of academic engagement. Students must be prepared for a serious time commitment to writing, and reading and responding to literature in and out of the classroom. The bilateral curriculum incorporates both the classics of yesteryear and the multicultural literature that defines American Literature today. Students will select novels from several thematic units and participate in individual, small, and large group literary analysis, as well as on-going writing workshops. Students will also be required to read a variety of genre from various American literary periods, engage in research activities, present formal and informal speeches, produce multimedia projects, lead and participate in literature circles, and create different types of writing. Students are required to complete summer reading(s) between their sophomore and junior years. Required English Courses - Grade 12 *0103 ACADEMIC ENGLISH 12 Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit General English Requirements and Prerequisites apply Academic English 12 is designed for those students seeking a standard college preparatory curriculum, with a focus on all aspects of Language Arts including, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and research and presentation skills. There is an emphasis on British Literature. Included in this yearlong course will be a continuation of the introduction and implementation of the basic skills necessary in organizing and developing thoughts and ideas in the written form. In addition, these senior year students will also be exposed to several more advanced forms of writing and a thematic overview of British Literature. Students are required to complete mandatory summer reading(s) between their junior and senior years.

*0109 ENGLISH 12 HONORS Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit General English Requirements and Prerequisites apply English 12 Honors is designed for students with a strong academic background who have exhibited outstanding performance in all facets of language arts. Because of the increased rigor of the course curriculum, students should be highly motivated, well organized, and possess strong critical thinking skills. The course will be a study of English Literature from the Anglo-Saxon Period to the 20th century. Students will also increase their vocabularies, review grammar, and produce essays related to the literature. An average of 85% or better in previous English courses is strongly recommended. Students are required to complete mandatory summer 32 reading(s) between their junior and senior years.

*0110 ENGLISH 12 WRITING FELLOWS Class meets 6 periods per cycle, for one period, all year 1.0 credits General English Requirements and Prerequisites apply, along with Interview process and writing sample The Methacton Writing Fellows Program is designed for highly motivated 12th grade students interested in th writing and communication. It can be taken as an alternative 12 grade honors English course (one credit) and the opportunity for added community service credit. Prospective students apply in their Junior year and rd teachers of the course conduct interviews during 3 marking period to determine student eligibility. This course consists of a learning writing center and mentor/mentee theory, running the writing center, and completing various projects/ assessments throughout the year. The course is also a student leadership opportunity to prepare candidates to serve as collaborative peer tutors in the Methacton Writing Center while developing their own skills in research, composition, speaking, and listening. The course also culminates in a community practice project. Students are required to complete mandatory summer reading(s) between their junior and senior years.

English Electives Students are encouraged to schedule electives along with their required English courses for additional credit. English electives are available to all students, grades 9 through 12. Check the course descriptions to be certain.

0118 SPORTS IN LITERATURE Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: None This course is for the student who enjoys reading and discussing sports. Students will read a wide variety of print materials that reflect themes of heroism, tenacity, and hard work. This course will also include various styles of sports writing; i.e., non-fiction, drama and journalism.

0121 INTRODUCTION TO FILM Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: None This course is an introduction to the study of the art of cinema. It provides students with a foundation in the analysis of both narrative and cinematic style. The course will examine how narrative elements such as story, characters, and theme are interrelated with stylistic elements like settings, costumes, lighting, editing, cinematography, sound, and acting to help create and shape a film. The scope and sequence of the course will encompass both cinema history and specific genres. Students must be “active” viewers and will be required to respond to films in large and small group discussion and in writing, in an effort to increase understanding and appreciation of film.

+ DE ENG 238 LITERARY VISION OF FILM Offered in grades 11-12 3 College Credits and .5 High School Credits Class meets 6 period per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: 0121 Introduction to Film must be completed before taking this course. This course focuses on film as a mode of literary expression. After we develop baseline knowledge of the techniques and devices of literature, selected films are viewed and discussed as works of literature. Only films that were created as films - that is, not based on books or works of drama - are considered. This is not a “film” course, and techniques related to film are not studied. MHS course 0121 Introduction to Film is a prerequisite to 33 this course. For dual credit classes taught by approved high school teachers, students will be charged the cost of one credit for a three or four credit course. The charge in previous years was $168/credit. An increase in the charge per credit is expected for 2018-19, but is not yet available. All books are the responsibility of the student to purchase.

0124 MYTHOLOGY AND J.R.R. TOLKIEN Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Instructor approval Lab Fee: Acquisition of novels by students may be required Tolkien’s goal was to create mythology specific to England. Students in this class will come to understand the history, language, and peoples he created through an in-depth examination of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and Silmarillion. Various myths that inspired Tolkien’s own work will be examined as well. Interested students will dive into a world of elves, hobbits, wizards, and men and, in the end, gain a better understanding of the universal themes that make these stories so relevant today.

0128/.5 CREATIVE WRITING Offered in grades 9-12 Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester, for .5 credits Requirement: 80% average in English This class is for students of all grades who want to explore the pleasures and rigors of writing creative fiction and non-fiction short stories. Required throughout the semester are numerous writing exercises, the reading and discussion of one another’s writing in workshop format, and the development of a portfolio. Writing assignments and analysis of creative writing examples will also be required. All students can expect a fun, supportive, hardworking, and productive class atmosphere that encourages experimentation and constructive criticism. The emphasis is on literary development as both a reader and a writer. This class is pass/fail.

0135 ACTING AND THEATRE ARTS Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester; or 3 periods per cycle, all year. Requirement: Strong reading skills This course may be taken more than once for credit to allow students with a strong interest in acting to continue to learn and grow in the field of study. Students will learn the fundamentals of acting and the art of theatre. Students are expected to exhibit responsible behavior and a positive attitude. This course requires memorization, reading, and analysis of plays and scenes that will culminate into performances. Students will be required to participate in meaningful and thoughtful analysis of their work and the work of their peers. Areas of special interest such as costuming, set design, and makeup will also be explored.

0138 PUBLIC SPEAKING Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: None This course is designed to introduce the basics of public speaking. The initial curriculum will cover setting the purpose for the speech, selecting the resources necessary and refining the methodology of oral presentations. The course will utilize these groundwork skills to introduce the fundamentals of debate and prepare the student to not only speak comfortably in public, but also defend openly a personal point of view.

1986 AP CAPSTONE RESEARCH Offered in grades 11-12 1.0 credits

Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: AP CAPSTONE SEMINAR AP Research is the second course in the AP Capstone™ program. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words and a presentation, with an oral defense; during which you will answer 3-4 questions from a panel of evaluators. If you earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of your choosing, you will receive the AP Capstone Diploma™. This signifies outstanding academic achievement and attainment of college-level academic and research skills. Alternatively, if you earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research only, you will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.

English Advanced Placement Students are expected to read and respond to sophisticated literary expressions that are appropriate to a college level course. +1974 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (11) Offered in grade 11 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: In order to enroll in an English AP level course, the student must have earned a minimum average of 70% in the previous English AP course, or have earned a minimum average of 90% in the previous English Honors course. This course is demanding, requiring extensive independent research, reading, analysis, and writing. Students will be expected to analyze and respond to texts and genres representing literature from the Greek classical age through the 21st century. Students will demonstrate through written, oral, and creative means how the elements of language reflect theme and meaning. This course also expects students to study and demonstrate understanding about how social, political, intellectual, and artistic forces shape literary works.

+1975 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION (12) Offered in grade 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: In order to enroll in an English AP level course, the student must have earned a minimum average of 70% in the previous English AP course, or have earned a minimum average of 90% in the previous English Honors course. This course will be vigorous, requiring extensive reading and writing activities and library research, as well as an intensive review of grammar and rhetoric. Students will write in-class, timed, analytical essays based on pre-assigned readings that will focus on content and writing techniques such as tone, sentence structure, organization, audience, and/or diction. Emphasis will focus on rhetorical division of an argument into tow equally defendable positions incorporating thesis and antithesis into a confident, well-supported synthesis. Each semester will culminate in a formal research paper. In addition, some in-class and at home assignments will take a less formal approach such as “creative” imitation exercises mimicking the style of a particular writer. Return to Table of Contents Family and Consumer Sciences Department “Family and Consumer Sciences Education empowers individuals and families across the lifespan to manage the challenges of living and working in a diverse global society. Our unique focus is on families, work, and their

35 interpersonal relationships.” Based on the Pennsylvania Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, this mission reflects the integrative approach, skills, and tools provided to all students. These competencies enable the students to successfully live and work in the 21st century.

Students may choose to take Consumer Decisions, FACS, S.T.E.P.S., Today’s Foods, Focus on Foods, Child Development, or Singles Survival to fulfill the FCS requirement. The * indicates that the course fulfills the 0.25 credits of FCS required for graduation. Department offerings by grade level:

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 *Consumer Decisions *Consumer Decisions *Child Development *Child Development *S.T.E.P.S. *Today’s Foods *FACS of Life *FACS of Life *Today’s Foods *Focus on Foods *Focus on Foods *Focus on Foods *S.T.E.P.S. International Cuisine International Cuisine *FACS of Life *Singles Survival *Singles Survival

*0800 FOCUS ON FOODS Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Fulfills graduation requirement Rediscover food basics, nutrition, and “from scratch” food preparation. Accomplish self-sufficiency in the kitchen intermingled with group culinary projects. Prepare a variety of foods using traditional core recipes with a twist and look at the costs involved in food budgets. Examine food-related careers with an eye towards more than “chef.” Enjoy an online collection of your creations. Presenting food information and sampling foods are a course requirement

0801 INTERNATIONAL/AMERICAN CUISINE Offered in grades 11, 12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Successful completion of Focus on Food or Today’s Foods Students will master the culinary arts of both the regional United States and other world cultures using creative menus and gourmet techniques. Developing buffet meals, presenting a food unique to a particular region or culture and sampling prepared foods are integral to the course. A $10.00 lab fee is required.

*0802 FACS OF LIFE Offered in grades 10, 11, 12 .25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, 1 semester Fulfills graduation requirement What is Family and Consumer Science? What can we learn from our past, our ancestors, our experiences, our determination, and our future dreams? Take a spin around the circle of life and creatively explore how to manage successfully the roadblocks and conflicts of living in today’s world.

*0803 TODAY’S FOODS Offered in grade 9, 10 .5 credits 36

Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Fulfills graduation requirement What are the eating patterns of the changing American family? How do convenience and fast foods impact the family budget? When did “My Plate” replace the Food Guide Pyramid? Create many dishes and meals for today’s lifestyles while learning new cooking skills and equipment. Attain the expertise needed for planning and preparing a family meal – your final project! Leave class with a Google recipe cookbook! Sampling class-prepared foods is a course requirement.

*0805 S.T.E.P.S. – Solving Teens Experiences and Problems Successfully Offered in grades 9-10 .25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, 1 semester Fulfills graduation requirement Based on the inspirational book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Explore the pathways of teen life and focus on lifelong values and principles that will lead you to success. As you navigate the high school years, set short term and long-term goals and learn how to balance school, friends, relationships, family, and work. With all the challenges in today’s teen world, we will examine them and seek positive solutions.

*0835 SINGLES SURVIVAL Offered in grades 11, 12 .25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, 1 semester Fulfills graduation requirement Ready to move out? Ready to live on your own or in a dorm? Investigate apartment hunting, paychecks and spending, banking, and recruiting techniques. Honing communication skills and learning how to balance your budget now, will enable your success going forward. Think of it as Reality 101.

*0840 CHILD DEVELOPMENT Offered in grades 11, 12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Fulfills graduation requirement Is it that hard to be a parent? Take “Baby Think-it-Over” home and experience the emotional and practical dynamics of parenting and the effects on the family. Wear the “Empathy Belly” and feel the baby kick. Explore how to have a healthy baby, what happens to mom during the pregnancy, how the baby grows, labor, delivery and birth. This course is recommended for all students. If choosing elementary education, day care or nursing as a career, this class would be extremely beneficial.

*0860 CONSUMER DECISIONS Offered in grades 9, 10 .25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, 1 semester Fulfills graduation requirement Needs versus wants – what is the difference? Take charge of knowing the difference by making thoughtful decisions based on consumer savvy. Get the best value for your dollar and investigate how advertising hooks the American public. Understand the role credit and debit cards play in our Global Economic world. “If it sounds too good to be true” will be examined along with internet safety and protection against scams and identity theft. Does the brand name truly taste better? Comparison shopping and designing an advertising campaign will be integral activities in this class. Return to Table of Contents 37

Health and Physical Education * indicates that this PE or Health course fulfills a grade level graduation requirement for the mandated three years of PE and one required Health courses.

The Health and Physical Education program helps students grow physically, mentally and socially. Physical Education classes promote total fitness by developing cardiovascular and muscular strength, coordination, social skills, and healthful habits. Lifetime sports and recreational activities are introduced in the 11/12th grade program while movement training is emphasized at the 9/10th grade level. Students who need physical or remedial help will be scheduled for the adapted physical education program. This need will be determined by the student's instructors, physician, and/or school personnel.

Three years (1.5 credits) of physical education are required by Methacton School District. Satisfactory completion of health and physical education is a graduation requirement. Beginning in the 10th grade year, students are to take and pass the required health course. Satisfactory completion of this health course is a graduation requirement. In addition, the Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR course and Lifeguarding are offered as electives. These electives cannot be substituted for the required health courses or a PE course. Students unable to meet the requirements of any PE course due to medical reasons shall be withdrawn without penalty and required to make up the course during another semester.

* PHYSICAL EDUCATION 0005 Required in grades 9-10 0.5 credits for full year Class meets 3 periods per cycle, semester 1 and semester 2 Physical Education for the 9th and 10th grades will be a planned course of study designed to provide physical activity and learning situations through movement training. Participants will also be exposed to individual and team sports with a focus on community building. Participation in activities will help develop further coordination, motor skills, strength, competition, and teamwork. One marking period of aquatics is required in both 9th and 10th grades. Throughout this programing an emphasis is made on current and life-long fitness.

0017 Required in grade 11 0.5 credits for full year Elective in grade 12 Class meets 3 periods per cycle, semester 1 and semester 2 Physical Education for 11th and 12th grades will be an elective, co-ed program, where students will have the opportunity to select a variety of lifetime fitness-based courses. Participation in these activities will develop leadership, physical fitness, and allow students to gain insight into their fitness needs for the future.

0007/0008 PHYSICAL EDUCATION MAKE-UP

0007 Semester 1 0008 Semester 2 Offered in grades 9, 10. 0.25 credits each For students who failed a prior PE course. PE failures will be scheduled by semester. Students are scheduled into existing PE classes but it is recorded as a Make-up on the schedule and transcripts.

0013 STANDARD FIRST AID WITH CPR AND AED Offered in grades 9-12, elective course 0.25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, one semester Basic First Aid problems and CPR will be instructed and practical application of skills will be performed. Coping with bleeding, breathing, broken bones, and sudden illness are a few of the areas that will be covered. Certification by the American Heart Association is possible, but not required. Students are required to pay for certification materials.

*0011 HEALTH Required Course Offered in Grade 10 (11-12 by exception) 0.25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, one semester This course will explore a wide spectrum of issues that influence our students as they are coming of age. The course content will include stress, depression, suicide, mental health disorders, substance abuse, sexuality wellness, self-esteem, substance abuse, and nutrition. The focus will be on preventative strategies needed in today’s society with a focus is on current social problem solving using the information they have been taught throughout the previous health curriculum.

0020/0022 ADAPTED PHYSICAL EDUCATION Offered in grades 9-12 0.25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, each semester Offered Pass/Fail Requirements: Students must meet the necessary requirements for appropriate placement. Adapted Physical Education (APE) is Physical Education that is individualized and specially designed to address the needs of students with disabilities who require adaptations or modifications to be physically active, participate safely and make progress toward Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education. This course does not include physical therapy.

Return to Table of Contents Mathematics Constantly changing technology is influencing careers in all fields. To prepare our students for these new and exciting opportunities, Methacton offers a mathematics program with a variety of courses combining traditional theory with practical application.

Math Department Calculator Policy: Many courses involve the use of the TI-83 or 83-Plus or TI-84 (graphing) calculator. It is required that each student purchase his/her own calculator. This calculator will be used for the duration of the student’s math courses selected at Methacton. If purchase is not financially possible, a calculator will be made available to the student as supplies last.

Mathematics An * next to the course number indicates that the course counts toward the graduation requirement of three Mathematics credits.

Because of the sequential development of the mathematics curriculum, students should fulfill requirements as stated for a previous course, before advancing to the next sequential level.

SUMMER WORK is assigned for ALL Students enrolling in the general academic levels and Honors as listed in the Program Planning Guide.

Students not meeting certain requirements are to enroll in the next appropriate course sequence. Students not meeting the requirements, but who wish to remain in the same sequence, may seek extra help, tutoring, etc. and test into the next level course of the same sequence, need to apply for an appeal. This procedure is described above in this Program Planning Guide. Below, please find a chart to assist you in planning the appropriate sequencing for your planned course of study in our Mathematics Department.

Return to Table of Contents

Mathematics Course Sequencing

th th th th Keystone If in 8 Grade you 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade th 12 Grade Course Status took: Course Course Course With math Bridges DI Standards DI Secondary DI Algebra II DI Fund. Geom. IEP Algebra II - AND - Fund. Geom. Academic Math General Ed. Bridges Algebra I (if not proficient - OR - - OR - on Keystone) Geometry Algebra III & Trig. Foundations Academic Math Academic Math - OR - - OR - Not yet Algebra II Fund. Geom. Probability & Algebra I Probability & Keystone - AND - - OR - Trigonometry Trigonometry Proficient Foundations Geometry - OR - - OR - Algebra III & Pre-Calculus Trig.

Algebra I Algebra II (pass Algebra I 70% - Fund. Geom. - OR – Pre-Calculus Pre-Calculus 80%) –OR- Fund. Geom. - OR - - OR - Keystone Algebra II -OR- Algebra III & Calculus Proficient Geometry Trig. - OR - (pass Algebra I > 80%) Geometry -OR- - OR - AP Statistics (pass Algebra I > Honors Geom. Algebra II & AP Statistics 90%)with placement test Trig H. Pre-Calculus AP Calculus AB Keystone H. Alg. II & Honors Alg. I Honors Geom. - AND/OR - - AND/OR - Proficient Trig. AP Statistics AP Statistics AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC Keystone H. Alg. II & Honors Geom. H. Pre-Calculus - AND/OR - -AND/OR - Proficient Trig. AP Statistics AP Statistics

Students desiring to move into the honors levels from the regular academic curriculum need to meet the math department requirements and test into the course with approval from the department coordinator. Testing is offered during the last week of school or immediately after the school year concludes and is coordinated through the Math Department Coordinator. The only students eligible to take this test must have earned a 90% or better in the regular course.

Secondary Mathematics Course Sequence Secondary Mathematics Course Sequences, with requirements fulfilled to advance: Grade Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 9 Alg. I Alg. I Geometry Honors Geometry 10 Fund Geometry Geometry Alg. II & Trig. Honors Alg. II & Trig. 11 Alg. II Alg. II & Trig Alg. 3/Trig , Pre-Calculus Honors Pre-Calculus 12 Academic/Alg. 3 or Alg. 3/ Trig, Contemporary Calculus AP Calculus Probability or Pre-Calculus AP Calculus Trigonometry Math Foundations, has been added to the curriculum as a supplemental math class. Students are placed based on their math progress indicted by end-of-course grades, PSSA, and Keystone scores. Math Foundations runs concurrently to the selected math course to support and supplement the math instruction and better insure success in math and on the Keystone Algebra I exam.

*0409 CONTEMPORARY CALCULUS Offered in grade 11-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: Pre-Calculus Summer Work as posted on website Students choosing this course should expect a course similar to a first-year, college calculus course. The curriculum will contain all of the usual topics in Calculus such as functions, limits, differentiation, and integration but the approach to learning will be different. The course will stress applications, experimentation, etc. and not stress the theory involved in an AP Course. Student will not be ready to take an AP exam in the spring of their senior year. Course includes use of TI -83/84 calculators. Refer to Math Department Calculator Policy above.

*0415 ACADEMIC MATH Offered in grade 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: Algebra I, Geometry; or Fundamentals of Geometry; This course is intended for students who are in the academic program but have difficulty with the theory involved in geometry, Algebra I and/or Algebra II. It will cover topics such as problem solving, estimation, set theory and application, number theory, basic geometric and trigonometric concepts, basic algebraic concepts, consumer math, mathematical applications of Excel, probability, and statistics. Students who passed Algebra II and Trig. and/or Alg. 3/Trig are NOT eligible.

*0419 ALGEBRA I Offered in grades 9 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: Appropriate Algebraic background Summer Work as posted on website Algebra is required for entrance into colleges and universities. This course will prepare students to be proficient on the Keystone Exam, a graduation requirement. This curriculum also meets Pennsylvania Core Standards as well as all the National Council of Teachers of Math (NCTM) “standards.”

*0420 ALGEBRA II Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: Algebra I, Geometry or Fundamentals of Geometry Summer Work as posted on website This course covers the algebra that is currently presented in our Algebra II and Trigonometry course but little or none of the trigonometry. It is designed for the academic student in grade ten, eleven, or twelve that finds algebra difficult. Course includes use of TI-83/84 calculators. Refer to Math Department Calculator Policy above.

*0421 ALGEBRA II & TRIGONOMETRY Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: 80% or better in both Algebra I and Geometry Summer Work as posted on website This course offers the students an integrated study of algebra and trigonometry. It is necessary for all students planning to major in math, science, engineering, or business in college. Course requires use of the graphing TI-83/84 calculator. Refer to Math Department Calculator Policy above.

*0422 ALGEBRA III & TRIGONOMETRY Offered in grades 11 - 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: preferred 80% in Algebra II, or less than 80% in Algebra II & Trigonometry Summer Work as posted on website This course is designed to reinforce Algebra skills presented in either Algebra II or Algebra II & Trig. More emphasis on algebra with advanced topics, and trigonometry is introduced. Course includes use of the graphing calculator. Refer to Math Department Calculator Policy above.

*0426 ALGEBRA II & TRIGONOMETRY HONORS Offered in grade 9-10 1.0 credit

Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: 83% Honors Algebra I, 83% Honors Geometry or appropriate placement test subject to Math Department approval. No acceleration is permitted to meet the requirements for this course. Summer Work as posted on website This course offers the accelerated student an intensive, integrated study of Algebra and Trigonometry. This course covers more material than Algebra II & Trigonometry #0421 and gives greater challenge with previously covered material. Review work is minimized. Course requires summer work and use of the graphic calculator. Refer to Math Department Calculator Policy above.

*0427 TRIGONOMETRY Offered in grades 12 .5 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Required: 70% in Algebra II Topics in this course will include triangle and circle trigonometry, word problems and applications using trigonometry. In addition, trigonometric identities, formulas and solving equations and applications of trigonometry will be covered.

*0429 FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOMETRY Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: Algebra I Summer Work as posted on website Students will develop a mathematical system based on definitions, theorems, deductive proof, and logic. Relationships between geometry and other branches of mathematics will be investigated. An analytical approach will be used to solve practical problems and will include an introduction to the formal “proof.” Essential Algebra skills will be integrated into geometry practices to reinforce formulas and principles used in problem solving.

0430 GEOMETRY Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: 80% Algebra I, Algebra I Keystone Exam. Summer Work as posted on website Students will develop a mathematical system based on definitions, theorems, deductive proof, and logic. Relationships between geometry and other branches of mathematics will be investigated. A strong foundation in algebra skills is required. An analytical approach will be used to solve practical problems. Two columned proofs are included.

*0432 GEOMETRY HONORS Offered in grade 9 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: 83% Honors Algebra I, (Not eligible for acceleration) or appropriate placement test subject to Math Department approval. Summer Work as posted on website This course offers a more varied and intensive study of geometry than geometry course #0430. An exploratory approach is used to develop concepts. Long and short-term projects are assigned to reinforce ideas. This course is designed for students talented in mathematics, who can independently analyze through student - driven activities.

0438 MATH FOUNDATIONS Offered in grades 9-11 0.5

Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year Students are selected for this class based on their individual progress in Math course sequence, grades earned in current math class, and results from standardized testing (PSSA and and PVAAS projections). Math Foundations will address Algebra standards as determined by state assessments and other local assessments. This will be a highly differentiated instructional model that will address the specific needs of students in the class and change with the enrolled population each year. Learning experiences will be isolated to those standards seen as being in deficit for individual students including basic math concepts learned in previous years. This course will provide students with objective information about their defined weaknesses in algebraic concepts while giving them the time and support to gain the skills necessary for success in Algebra I, the Algebra I Keystone to meet the graduation requirement for proficiency, and the student's next sequential math courses.

*0441 PRE-CALCULUS Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: Algebra III & Trig. (best to have 75% or better) or 80% Algebra II & Trig. Summer Work as posted on website This course is intended for students who have mastered intermediate algebra and trigonometric concepts, and aims to prepare students for a calculus course. Course requires use of the graphing calculator. Refer to the Math Department Calculator policy on page 20.

*0442 PRE-CALCULUS HONORS Offered in grades 10, 11 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: 83% Honors Algebra II and Trig., or placement test subject to Math Department approval. This course is not eligible for acceleration. Summer Work as posted on website This course is designed to prepare the student for our AP Calculus. It includes more advanced mathematical concepts than the Pre-Calculus Course #0441. This course is considered largely, application based and includes numerous word problems. Course requires summer work and use of the graphing calculator. Refer to the Math Department Calculator policy above.

*0453 PROBABILITY Offered in grades 12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Algebra II Topics in this course will include probability and some statistics. It will NOT be the same course as the AP Statistics already offered. Students will be neither prepared nor eligible to take the AP exam in May.

*1978 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS AB Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: 83% Pre-Calculus Honors, 95% Pre-Calculus Summer Work as posted on website This course is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in math or science. It presents analytical geometry, functions, limits, the derivative, the integral, and their applications and it is approximately equivalent to the first year of calculus in college. Course requires summer work and a graphing calculator (T1-83 plus). Refer to math department calculator policy on page 20.

*1983 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CALCULUS BC

Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: Advanced Placement Calculus AB This course is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in math or science. The students are exposed to two broad themes; derivatives, rates of change and their applications and integrals, Riemann sums and their applications. The course is approximately equivalent to a second year college calculus course. Course requires summer work and a graphing calculator (T1-84 plus). Refer to math department calculator policy on page 20.

*1993 ADVANCED PLACEMENT STATISTICS Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Recommendation: The AP Statistics course is designed for mature 11th or 12th grade students who have completed the Algebra II/Trig course or Pre-calculus with an 85% or better. It is recommended to take this course immediately following achieving an 85% or better in Algebra II/Trig or Pre-calculus. Students who take this course are expected to take the AP exam in May. The course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students are exposed to four broad themes: exploring data, planning a study, and anticipating patterns and statistical inference. This course is an excellent choice for the college bound student whose future plans may include science, business, psychology, or many other majors as well. Course requires use of calculators, Refer to math department calculator policy on page 20.

Mathematics Based Technology and Programming Courses 0460 ROBOTICS ELECTRONICS Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: 80% or above Alg. 1 This hands-on course is for students who want to design and build electric circuits that are controlled by an Arduino microprocessor that they program. The course begins with instruction on simple circuits. Once students understand that, Arduino programming begins. Finally, sensors and motors are presented for students to employ.

0455 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: 80% or better in Alg. 1. Students will learn object-oriented programming using Java while writing a variety of programs. This course is excellent preparation for students interested in taking AP Computer Science.

0456 ADVANCED JAVA CONCEPTS Offered in grades 11, 12 .5 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 75% in AP Computer Science This course is designed as a follow-up course for a student who takes AP Computer Science as a junior or sophomore. It will cover advanced data structures, object oriented design, and graphics.

1997 ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES

Offered in grade 10-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 85% or better in Algebra 1 and Geometry AND an 80% in English This course is equivalent to a college-level, introductory course for non-Computer Science majors. It s an opportunity to better understand computer science and its role in the world. Core concepts include abstraction, data/information, algorithms, programming, the internet, and global impact. No prior programming experience is required. Students will be researching and writing about various topics as well as learning the basics of software programming.

1998 ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE A Offered in grade 10-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: (a) completed Intro to Java with at least an 80% and completed Algebra 2 with at least an 80% OR (b) completed Intro to Java with at least an 85% OR (c) currently taking an honors or AP math class as a 10th or 11th grader OR (d) currently taking Honors Algebra 2/Trig as a 9th grader OR (e) teacher approval. This course is designed for students interested in a rigorous course in computer science that includes instruction in Java. AP Computer Science emphasizes programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development. The course is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college course in Computer Science. Return to Table of Contents Music The Music program is designed to provide opportunities for all students to explore the many facets of music. Performance is a major focus including Band, Orchestra, and Chorus. Theory and Composition courses afford advanced training for aspiring professionals and Guitar classes offer to all a lifelong skill for the enjoyment of making music.

CONCERT BAND 0932 Class meets 3 mods per cycle all year .5 credits 0934 Class meets 6 periods per cycle all year 1.0 credits Offered in grades 9-12 Requirements - Teacher Approval. Attendance at all concerts and occasional extra rehearsals is required. This active musical organization performs concerts at school and in the community. All types of music are studied and performed. The course is open to any student who has a desire to develop skills in playing a musical instrument with a minimum of one-year experience. While not a requirement, students are encouraged to participate in the Marching Band in the fall, performing at football games, competitions, and community events. Summer rehearsals, a summer "Band Camp," and two evening rehearsals per week (from September through November) are scheduled in preparation for each performance. Attendance at all performances is mandatory.

0940 STRING ENSEMBLE Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit Offered in grades 9-12 Attendance at all concerts and Wednesday evening rehearsals is required. Requirements - Teacher Approval/ Strings only Any string players may sign up for this course; no audition is required. String Ensemble offers an advanced opportunity for students to rehearse and perform an expanded variety of classical and popular literature while playing several performances throughout the year. This course allows for expansion of string techniques and literature.

0942 STRING ORCHESTRA Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year .5 credit Offered in grades 9-12 Attendance at all concerts and Wednesday evening rehearsals is required. Requirements - Teacher Approval/ Strings only Any string players may sign up for this course. String Orchestra offers an opportunity for students to rehearse and perform a wide variety of classical and popular literature while playing several performances throughout the year. This course allows for expansion of string techniques and literature.

CONCERT CHOIR (chorus) 0951 Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year .5 credits 0953 Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit Offered in grades 9-12 Attendance at evening concerts and occasional evening rehearsals is required. Rehearsals are scheduled daily in preparation for the many performances given each year by the choir. In addition to the regular Holiday and spring concerts, the choir appears at numerous functions in and around the community. This organization is open to anyone with an interest in singing. No audition is necessary.

CHORALE (advanced chorus) 0956 Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year .5 credits 0958 Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit Offered in grades 9-12 Requirements – Audition, attendance at evening concerts, and Monday evening rehearsals is required. For the student with exceptional interest and ability in vocal music, the Chorale performs literature of all periods of musical history. An audition is required.

0960 GUITAR Offered in grades 9-12 .25 credits Guitar is designed for the student who wants to explore guitar playing. Rock styles as well as folk, jazz and classical repertoire will be used in class. Techniques explored include pick style and finger style. Primary chord study using strumming will be developed. Each class will also explore the computer lab for ear training and arranging activities. Students will use nylon acoustic guitars provided in school. Advanced students will work on expanded chord study using both strumming and finger picking. Guitar may be selected for one or both semesters of the school year.

0968 MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION I Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credit Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the basic principles of melody, harmony, rhythm, and music literature, and to afford an opportunity for beginning experiences in music composition. It should be considered a necessity for prospective music students.

0969 MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION II Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credit Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year Requirements - 80% Avg. Music Theory & Composition I or Teacher Approval. An intermediate level course. Music Theory and Composition II is designed for the student who has one year of experience in music theory. In addition to further studies in the basic principles, students will develop skills in sight singing, ear training, dictation, and intermediate composition.

1991 ADVANCED PLACEMENT MUSIC THEORY Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: Music Theory and Composition II, 80% average or Teacher Approval. This course is a continuation and advanced version of Music Theory and Composition II. Music literature and all phases of intermediate composition and harmony are covered. Ear training, sight-singing, elementary keyboard and analysis are also studied. The content of this course mirrors a first-year college music theory course and only the serious music student should apply. Return to Table of Contents Science * indicates that this course counts toward the graduation requirement of three mandated Science credits. + indicates that this course carries a weight of 1.2 Methacton's science courses provide students many ways to prepare themselves for advanced study in the field of science or to satisfy their scientific curiosity. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are the basics, but courses like Environmental Science, Oceanography, etc. may have special appeal for many students.

Recommended Sequence of Science Courses, with requirements fulfilled to advance:

Grade Choice #1 Choice #2 Choice #3 Level 9 Environmental Science Environmental Science Honors Biology Honors & Accelerated Environmental 10 Academic Biology Biology Honors Dual Enrollment General Chemistry, Chemistry Honors, or Academic Chemistry 11 Dual Enrollment General Chemistry Honors, Dual Honors Physics or Chemistry, Academic Chemistry Enrollment General Chemistry, or Academic Physics and possibly or Chemistry in the Community Academic Chemistry AP Chemistry 12 Academic Physics or Honors Physics or Academic AP sciences and/or Anatomy & Oceanography or Conceptual Physics and possibly AP science Physiology Physics or Environmental or Anatomy & Physiology

*0505 ENVIRONMENTAL 9 SCIENCE Offered in grade 9 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year This course covers the major topics in environmental science including the ecosystems, populations & communities, biomes, energy & resources, watersheds & wetlands, pollution and health and environment which are a major part of the keystone exam. A hands-on approach will be used.

*0506 ENVIRONMENTAL 9 SCIENCE HONORS Offered in grade 9 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year th Requirement: 90% or above in 8th grade academic science or an 85% in 8 grade honors science, each with teacher approval.

This course should prove challenging and beneficial for all accelerated students desiring to pursue the sciences. Honors Environmental Science is an in depth view of the major themes in environmental science including watersheds & wetlands, energy & resources, ecosystems, populations & communities, pollution, and environmental health which are a major part of the keystone exam. Laboratory work and analysis will be an integral part of the curriculum. This course should be taken before Biology and the Biology Keystone exam.

0507 ENVIRONMENTAL 9 SCIENCE ACCELERATED STUDY Required for and only available to grade 9 students taking Honors Biology Class meets 2 periods per cycle, 1 semester .2 credits This course is specifically designed as a requirement for freshmen who are taking Honors Biology concurrently. It will present the major concepts of Environmental Science that are not covered in Honors Biology. These topics include ecosystems, energy, environmental health, and pollution that are a major part of the Keystone exam.

*0511 ACADEMIC BIOLOGY Offered in grade 10 1.0 credit Class meets 7 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 60% or better in Environmental 9.

Topics covered include cell structure and function, genetics, evolution, organisms, ecology and the environment. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

*0510 BIOLOGY HONORS Offered in grades 9 & 10 1.0 credit Class meets 7 periods per cycle, all year th Requirements: 9th grade students must have minimum 93% in 8 grade Honors Science or a 95% in 8th grade Academic Science. 10th grade students must have a 95% or better in Environmental Science or 90% in Environmental Science Honors. This course should prove challenging and beneficial for all accelerated students as it presents science as inquiry. The course includes major themes: unity and diversity, cells, genetics, evolution, the environment and life processes/systems. Laboratory work will be a vital part of the curriculum. All ninth grade students taking this course must also enroll in Environmental Accelerated Study (course #0507, .20 credits). This independent study will focus on major concepts of geology and environmental science. Students will be responsible for completing assignments from outside, supplemental, reading materials and independent research along with guided instruction from an assigned Environmental mentor.

*0513 HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year. Requirements: 80% or better in Honors Biology, 85% or better in Academic Biology, 75% or better in Honors Chemistry, 80% or better in Academic Chemistry/DE Chemistry or taking Chemistry concurrently (with departmental approval). This is a challenging introductory college level course designed to explore in detail the major systems of the human body. Mastery of structure & function is essential in discussing such topics as homeostasis & anatomical terminology, histology, the skeletal & muscular systems, the nervous system, blood & circulation.

Requirements include a number of dissections and lab practical examinations.

*0514 CHEMISTRY IN THE COMMUNITY (CHEMCOM) Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: None This course is a practical, hands-on, approach to chemistry with a lower emphasis on math. Chem. Com. is intended to help students to be more scientifically aware citizens by emphasizing chemistry’s impact on society. This is done by applying chemistry to real environmental issues including: water quality, conservation of resource, petroleum use, nuclear energy, food chemistry, and the human population’s impact.

*0530 ACADEMIC CHEMISTRY Offered in grades 10-12 1.2 credits Class meets 7 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 70% or better in Biology and 70% or better in Algebra I. (Selected tenth graders may qualify for this course.) This course covers basic chemistry in light of modern concepts. Fundamental theories, laws, and chemical calculations receive thorough attention. Laboratory work is an integral part of the course.

*DE CHE 121 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (Montgomery County Comm. Coll. Course CHE 121) 4 college credits 1.2 High School Credits Taught on-site at the High School Seats are limited; enrollment in course is pending additional placement requirements by MCCC Class meets 7 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 82% or better in Academic Biology, Academic Algebra I and Academic Geometry or a 72% or higher in Honors Bio, Honors Algebra I and/or Honors Geom. Students must purchase their textbook from MCCC’s campus bookstore (approximately $150 new or $95 used), or from students who have previously taken the course. For dual credit classes taught by approved high school teachers, students will be charged the cost of one credit for a three or four credit course. The charge in 2016-17 was $168/credit. An increase in the charge per credit is expected for 2018-19, but is not yet available.

NOTE: DE General Chemistry 1 (Montgomery County Community College Course CHE 121) designed to acquaint liberal arts and nursing majors with certain fundamental facts, principles, and techniques of chemistry with a view toward their application in modern life. Upon completion of the course with at least a 70% average, you will earn 4 college credits (3 lecture, 1 lab) in chemistry through MCCC. These credits are considered “highly transferrable” to many 4-year universities as long as the student is not majoring in a science or engineering. Passing this course will also satisfy one (1) of the three (3) science credits required for Methacton graduation.

The rigor of this course will be greater than Methacton’s Academic Chemistry course, but not as rigorous as our Honors Chemistry course.

0535 CHEMISTRY HONORS Offered in grades 10, 11 1.2 credits Class meets 7 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: (80% Honors Algebra and 80% Honors Geometry) or (90% Academic Algebra I (9th grade) and 90% Academic Geometry); 90% Academic Biology or 80% Honors Biology.

This course is an intensive, accelerated, first-year chemistry course requiring excellent mathematical and reasoning skills. Topics such as equilibrium, kinetics, acid/base reactions, thermodynamics, and stoichiometry will be studied at a level requiring advanced mathematical, reasoning abilities.

*0545 OCEANOGRAPHY & MARINE BIOLOGY Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: A passing grade in Environmental Science and Biology. This course is designed as an elective for 11th and 12th grade students who wish to pursue a more in depth understanding of fundamentals learned in Earth Science. The course will include Marine Biology, Marine Geology, coastal changes, and Physical and Environmental Oceanography. Man’s interaction with the oceans will be discussed.

*0549 CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: A passing grade in Chemistry This course is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of physics without the use of advanced mathematics. It will explore methods to predict, control, calculate, measure, and observe the physical world in the areas of basic mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity, magnetism and nuclear physics as well as fluids and thermodynamics.

*0550 ACADEMIC PHYSICS Offered in grades 11, 12 1.2 credits Class meets 7 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 70% Algebra II &Trig, 80% Algebra II, passing any level Chemistry course. This course is offered to all college preparatory students. Students are required to have a solid understanding of Algebra and Trig. functions. The course includes the study of mechanics, heat, light, sound, electricity and magnetism, and nuclear physics. Fluids and thermodynamics will also be covered.

*0551 PHYSICS HONORS Offered in grades 11, 12 1.2 credits Class meets 7 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 80% in Honors Chemistry or 90% in Academic Chemistry, or 87% in DE General Chemistry AND 70% in Honors Algebra II/Trig (or higher level math course), 80% in Algebra II/Trig, or 90% Algebra II. This course is designed for students considering a technical or science career in college. Subject matter is mechanics, waves and optics, electricity magnetism. This is not a calculus-based course, although it is very demanding mathematically. Algebraic, trigonometric, and geometric concepts will be used on command, and there will be a strong emphasis on problem solving. Laboratory work is integral to the course as traditional physics problems will be analyzed in detail.

Accommodations for acceleration: An Honors level student may apply to take Honors chemistry and Honors Physics together in their sophomore/junior year as long as they meet the following requirements: 90% Honors Bio, 90% Honors Algebra II/Trig (or higher level class). Grades are calculated at course selection time.

Advanced Placement Science *+1979 ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Offered in grades 11, 12 1.3 credits

Class meets 8 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 80% average in Honors Biology, 85% average in Academic Biology, 75% average in Honors Chemistry, 80% average in Academic/DE Chemistry, and a 70% Average in Algebra. This course will offer a detailed, “hands on” study of environmental issues and topics. Field studies, lab work and guest speakers will emphasize issues present in today’s environment. Topics will include fieldwork methodology, techniques in air, soil, and water quality testing, investigation of pollutants and their impact on the environment, along with the effects of human population growth on the environment. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and your feet wet!

*+1980 ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY Offered in grades 11, 12 1.3 credits Class meets 8 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 82% average in Biology 510 - Honors 82% average in Algebra II/Trig. – Honors or 92% average in Algebra II/Trig. and 87% average in Honors Chemistry or 97% average in Academic Chemistry/94% DE Chemistry The Advanced Placement Chemistry course seeks to meet the objectives of the general chemistry course usually taken during the first-year of college. Topics such as the structure of matter, the kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibriums, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics will be presented. Laboratory work will be stressed as well as chemical calculations and mathematical formulation of principles. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. A summer assignment will be given.

*+1981 ADVANCED PLACEMENT BIOLOGY Offered in grades 11, 121.3 credits Class meets 8 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 85% average in Honors Biology or 95% in Academic Biology and 80% average in Honors Chemistry or 83% average in Dual Enrollment Chemistry or 85% average in Academic Chemistry The student taking Advanced Placement Biology should be self-motivated and an independent worker. This course offers an in-depth study of biological processes and structures. Topics include molecules and cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and both human and plant structure and function. Laboratory work, data analysis, and writing lab papers are all integral and required parts of the course. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring. A summer assignment will be given.

*+1982 ADVANCED PLACEMENT PHYSICS (CALCULUS BASED) Offered in grade 12 1.3 credits Class meets 8 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 87% average in Physics Concurrently taking AP Calculus or Contemporary Calculus This course may be available to qualified eleventh graders with departmental approval. This course is designed for the student pursuing a career in engineering or science. The subject matter is principally mechanics, electricity, and magnetism, with approximately equal emphasis on these areas. Strong emphasis is placed on solving a variety of challenging problems, some requiring calculus. There is emphasis on analysis in the laboratory as well as in the classroom. A summer assignment will be given. Students are expected to take the AP exam in the spring.

NMTCC Science + Allied Health (Grade 12) Allied Health is offered through North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) and is designed for college preparatory students who are interested in pursuing a medical or health science career after high school. This program is based at Abington- Lansdale Hospital-Jefferson Health. See full course description in the NMTCC section.

+ Biotechnology (This is a Dual Enrollment Opportunity) Biotechnology is offered through North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC). In partnership with Montgomery County Community College, students can earn eight college credits for an introductory survey course in Biotechnology and a laboratory course emphasizing technical skills and instrumentation. See full course description in the NMTCC section.

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Social Studies * indicates that this course fulfills a grade level graduation requirement for the mandated four years of Social Studies. + indicates that this course carries a weight of 1.2

The social studies curriculum is designed to improve the awareness of students in global, national, and personal perspectives. In short, students will acquire global competence skills.

Recommended Sequence of Social Studies Courses:

Grade Academic/Survey Honors/Advanced Placement 9 required (0201) European Studies, year (0202) European Studies Honors, year (*+1969) AP European History, year

10 required (0204) World Cultures, year (0205) World Cultures Honors, year (*+1971) AP Human Geography, year 11 required (0211) US and PA Cultures, year (0212) U.S. and PA Cultures Honors, year (*+1977) AP U. S. History, year 12 required (0251) U.S. Gov. and Econ., year (0252) US Gov. and Econ. Honors, year (*+1970 )AP U.S. Gov. and Politics, year Electives (0240) Psychology, one semester Grades 10-12 (0262) Race and Ethnicity in America, one semester (0263) Sociology, one semester (0264) Criminal Justice, one semester

Elective (*+1976) Advanced Placement Psychology, year Grades 11-12 (*+1971) AP Human Geography, year Elective (0241) Forensic Psychology, one Grade 12 Semester General Social Studies Requirements and Prerequisites ● Students cannot advance two curricular levels. (ex. Academic 11 to AP 12) ● To advance curricular levels (ex. Academic 11 to Honors 12), the student must have earned a minimum average of 90% in the previous Social Studies course. 53

● To enroll in a Social Studies Honors level course, the student must have earned a minimum average of 80% in the previous Social Studies Honors level course or have passed the previous Social Studies AP level course. ● To enroll in a Social Studies AP level course, the student must have earned a minimum average of 70% in the previous Social Studies AP course, or have earned a minimum average of 90% in the previous Social Studies Honors level course. 0201 EUROPEAN STUDIES Only available to grade 9 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year European Studies offers a full year survey of Western European history. Students will study the geography of modern Europe tracing the development of the continent from the close of the Middle Ages to the present day. Topics include the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, French monarchy, and revolution, World War I, the Russian Revolution, and World War II. The course will also explore the rise of the 20th century dictators.

*0202 EUROPEAN STUDIES 9 HONORS Only available to grade 9 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: General Social Studies Requirements and Prerequisites In an enriched atmosphere, which places major emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and collaborative learning, the student will experience a full year survey of Western European History. Students will study the geography of modern Europe and trace the development of the continent from the closing of the Middle Ages to the present day. Included topics are the Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, French monarchy, and revolution, World War I, the Russian Revolution and World War II. The course will also explore the rise of the 20th century dictators. Efforts will be made to link historical periods studied in this course to literary themes discussed in ninth grade English.

*+1969 ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY th Only available to 9 grade 1.0 credit Class meets 6 mods per cycle, all year *Offered in grade 9th as a replacement course for Honors European Studies th Requirements: 95% or higher in BOTH Honors Social Studies: US History 8 grade and Honors English th 8 grade; This course has required Summer Assignments This college level elective course prepares students for successful completion of the AP European History Exam in May. The course analyzes the impact that social, political, economic, religious, military, and intellectual factors had upon the development of Western Civilization from the end of the Middle Ages to Modern Times. Students will develop advanced analytical thinking, reading, research, writing, and public speaking skills through the evaluation of primary and secondary source documents, cause and effect relationships, the influence of geography upon history, as well as the concept of continuity and change over time by relating current events with the past. This is a writing intensive course which makes very extensive use of essay tests, document based analyses and essays, as well as art/literary/film reviews.

*0204 WORLD CULTURES Only available to grade 10 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year The World Cultures curriculum will increase international understanding and appreciation by providing a foundation of knowledge of non-Western cultures, which allows for complex comprehension of current and potential issues, as well as the intrinsic worth of each culture studied. This foundation will better enable the student to respond to the realities of our global age. The regions to be examined are the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. 54

*0205 WORLD CULTURES 10 HONORS Only available to grade 10 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: General Social Studies Requirements and Prerequisites This course examines the non-Western cultures of the world and the impact they have on our global society. Over the course of their year of study, students will learn about the origins and development of societies in the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. In addition to the study of the regional history of these locations students will also examine the geography, belief systems, and modern issues. Through a variety of primary and secondary sources, electronic resources, and classroom discussions the student will better understand current global events and the relationships between the world’s various societies.

*+1971 ADVANCED PLACEMENT HUMAN GEOGRAPHY *Offered in grade 10 as a replacement course for Honors World Cultures 1.0 credit

Class meets 6 periods per cycles, all year Requirements: 95% or higher in Honors European Studies This introductory-college level course in human geography will introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of Earth‘s surface. Students will employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. Students will also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Goals of the course include using and thinking about maps and spatial data and characterize and analyze changing interconnections among places. Topics of study in the course will include the nature of geography, population, cultural patterns and processes, political organization of space, agricultural and rural land use, industrialization and economic development, and cities and urban land use. Students who wish to take this course should enjoy an academic challenge and should be self-motivated. The course aims to expose students to a collegiate-level academic experience and to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

*0211 U.S. & PENNSYLVANIA CULTURES Only available to grade 11 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year This course is a survey of the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of the United States and Pennsylvania during the twentieth century. Course content begins with the Age of Imperialism to the present day and follows the emergence of the United States as a global superpower. A sample of topics that will be covered includes major military actions, social movements, cultural contributions, economic and political developments, and the growing influence of technology.

*0212 U.S. & PENNSYLVANIA CULTURES HONORS Only available to grade 11 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: General Social Studies Requirements and Prerequisites

This course is a survey of the political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of the United States and Pennsylvania during the 20th century. Course content will cover the Progressive Era through the 21st century. The Cold War, Civil Rights, and Vietnam will be studied as thematic units. Topics will be examined in greater detail than the academic course through sophisticated content as well as in-depth class discussion on domestic

55 and foreign issues, culture, civil rights, and election campaigns. Writing and supplemental readings in social studies will be emphasized.

*+1977 ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES HISTORY Only available to grade 11 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: General Social Studies Requirements and Prerequisites This course has required Summer Assignments This course is a survey of United States history from the Age of Exploration and Colonization to the present. Methods of instruction and grading are collegiate in nature. Reading and writing in the social sciences will be emphasized. Supplemental reading material and document analysis accompany the college-level textbook. Particular attention is given to the construction of a sophisticated, college-level essay exam. There is a significant amount of homework on a nightly basis. Independent learning is an important component of this course. Students who wish to take this course should enjoy an academic challenge and should be self-motivated. The course aims to expose students to a collegiate-level academic experience and to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

*0251 U.S. GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS Only available to grade 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year This course is a study of how all three levels of government (local, state, and federal) operate in today’s society, and how these levels of government affect people’s everyday lives. The course also explores the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, examining how both have shaped American society. Students are encouraged to become participatory members in our democratic system through rigorous study of the American political system and related current events. In addition, the curriculum includes a six-week study of basic economics.

*0252 U.S. GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS HONORS Only available to grade 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: General Social Studies Requirements and Prerequisites This course follows the same curricular parameters of the academic class, but its content is broader in scope and more in-depth. Students must be highly motivated, as this course requires students to perform independent work outside of class. Additionally, the honors section(s) will focus on students’ higher-level thinking skills - - analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and application.

*+1970 ADVANCED PLACEMENT UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS Only available to grade 12. 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: General Social Studies Requirements and Prerequisites This course has required Summer Assignments The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of the political system of the United States - its history, traditions, values, and institutional frameworks. The chief focus is on government and the model of pluralist democracy. Methods of instruction will be collegiate in nature, including but not limited to: in-class lecture, textbook and supplementary source analysis, essay writing, analysis of court cases, independent research and reading, quarterly projects, and in-class presentations. Students MUST meet departmental requirements to schedule this course and should do so only with the strong recommendation of taking the culminating Advanced Placement Examination in May.

Social Studies Electives 0240 PSYCHOLOGY Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Psychology examines the nature of human behavior. This course introduces students to the systematic and scientific study of this behavior. Students are exposed to the psychological theories, principles, and phenomena associated with several of the major subfields within psychology. Topics discussed include the history of psychology, learning, personality, and abnormal psychology. Through the use of readings, discussion, viewing, and experimentation, students will achieve a better understanding of themselves and the world they live in.

0241 FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Offered in grade 12 0.5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirements: 70% average in AP Psychology course Forensic Psychology will provide an overview of criminal psychology and is available to students who have successfully completed AP Psychology. This class will explore a variety of psychological approaches used to answer the age-old questions of “Why do people behave the way they do?” and “What makes a person commit a crime?” We will look at the motives behind anti-social acts, such as persistent violence and multiple murders. Throughout the course, students will acquire knowledge and practice the application of psychological methods to understanding criminal behavior. Students will use critical thinking and research skills to examine problems and issues related to criminal behavior. Students will use critical thinking and research skills to write two APA formatted papers.

0263 SOCIOLOGY Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Sociology, an elective course, is an introductory study in social behavior and organization of human society. This course will describe the development of the field as a social science by identifying methods and strategies of research leading to an understanding of how the individual relates to society and the ever changing world. Students will also learn the importance and role of culture, social structure, socialization, and social change in today’s society. Topics include introduction to Sociology, race & ethnicity, culture, social stratification, and gender roles.

0264 CRIMINAL JUSTICE Offered in grades 10 - 12 0.5 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycles, 1 semester Students will analyze and evaluate the Criminal Justice system in the United States from the origination of the crime through the criminal corrections process. This course examines historical and practical applications of criminal procedure and investigates the multiple layers of the justice system. Students will examine the causes, classifications, and enforcement of crime in both historical present day perspectives. Students will be expected to utilize critical thinking and analysis of information to understand concepts in multiple criminal activities in America, law enforcement, criminal court procedures, and prison life.

+1976 AP PSYCHOLOGY Offered in grades 11-12 1.0 credit

Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 90% average in previous Academic Social Studies course or 85% average in previous Honors Social Studies course or 70% average in previous AP Social Studies course. *Students do NOT need to have taken Psychology to take this course. This course has required Summer Assignments This rigorous course will introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. There is a significant amount of homework using a college-level textbook. In addition, the methods of instruction will be collegiate in nature, including but not limited to: in-class lecture, textbook and supplementary source analysis, essay writing, research projects and independent research and reading. This course aims to expose students to a collegiate- level academic experience and to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination in May.

Technology Education Technology Education courses provide hands-on learning experiences, along with skill development that foster the understanding of “technology” by the student. By practicing a variety of methods and processes, students develop the ability to evaluate the quality of finished products as well as develop work ethics in the timely completion of projects. Technology Education is an academic setting in which success depends on the application of learned skills, cooperation, and the social interaction among students.

Students may select a one-semester course in Technology Education or select a combination of a 2 progressive level courses (such as Structural Engineering and Transportation Systems) for a full year of credit in the curriculum. Students can also select a combination of a 2 different Technology courses to explore a variety of skills and subject content for a full year in Technology Education.

Students planning careers in engineering, the sciences, management, sales, or general employment can benefit from a series of Technology Education courses. Communication courses and drafting courses are particularly valuable for students considering engineering, graphic design, photography, and architecture. Technology Education courses can help fulfill the Math/Science/Technology graduation requirement.

Recommended Sequence for Technology Education Courses TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS DRAFTING INTRODUCTORY 0743 Materials in Structure and 0720 Photography 0761 CADD Processing 0721 Graphic Design Drafting

INTERMEDIATE 0723 Screen Printing & Design

ADVANCED 0750 Automated Manufacturing 0722 Advanced Graphic 0762 CADD Design Drafting II - Architectural

0769 CADD Drafting II - Mechanical

* A lab fee is required for these courses.

Technology Education Offerings 0743 MATERIALS IN STRUCTURE AND PROCESSING Offered in grades 9-12 1 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: CADD Drafting is highly recommended Students will have an in-depth introduction to materials, machinery, metrology, introduction precision manufacturing processes, materials engineering and prototyping. Students will learn machine and manual cutting, shaping fabrication of various industrial materials. Lost wax casting, milling, turning, abrasive machining, grinding, screw threads, tapping, precision measurement, sine bars, indicators, offsets, surface gages, gage blocks, gage pins, surface plates, and micrometers are also topics about which students will have the opportunity to learn.

0750 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: Materials in Structure and Processing, CADD Drafting This course will utilize CAD-CAM equipment, CNC mill, and a CNC lathe to design and create precision parts and assemblies to solve student driven engineering challenges. Appropriate use of industrial materials including metals, polymers, and wood will be explored. Students will use various industrial processes, fabrication, and casting. An emphasis will be placed on design, layout, automatic and manual processing of materials into accurate working parts and systems.

Communications Technology Offerings Communications courses are designated as a course for the assistance and completion of the culmination project requirement. All of the Communications courses can be used as credit for the science and technology graduation requirement.

0720 PHOTOGRAPHY Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Recommended: Digital Camera with at least 16 megapixels This is an introductory course for students who have an interest in learning photography as an art form. Students will be provided a working knowledge of a camera, the computer, Adobe Photoshop, processes and techniques to produce digital works of art and the history of Photography. Creative interpretation is developed through the use of additional hardware such as the digital camera, scanners and various printing techniques. Coursework will include but not limited to assignments and exercises emphasizing the use of software tools,

59 composition, color, digital imagery, web design and the use of digital imaging for expressive purposes. It is highly recommended for students to provide their own digital camera with at least 16 megapixels. *This class counts as a Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement.

0721 GRAPHIC DESIGN Offered in grades 9-12 .5 Credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle This course is designed to cover the basic fundamentals of computer graphics’ technology with an introduction to Adobe Illustrator, advertising, desktop publishing, illustration and graphic design. An emphasis will be placed on understanding proper layout and design principles. Scanning, printing, digital photography, image manipulation, video editing, web design and a variety of software applications will be covered. *This class counts as a Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement.

0722 ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle Prerequisite: 80% or better in Graphic Design or Computer Art 1 This course will provide practical experience to students who are considering computer graphics as a career. Students will develop an individual graphic design style using a variety of software for advertising, marketing, web design, illustration and graphic design. A strong emphasis will be placed on mastering proper layout and design principles. *This class counts as a Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement.

0723 SCREEN PRINTING & DESIGN Offered in grades 10-12 .25 credits Class meets 3 periods per cycle Prerequisite: 80% or better in Graphic Design or Computer Art 1 Screen Printing provides students with the skills necessary for an entry level position in the screen printing industry. Each student has a hands-on experience in all aspects of creating original designs and the screen printing process. Utilizing hand methods for design preparation, as well as the computer, students print flat work such as stickers, fabric, and T-shirts. Proper clean-up and screen reclamation are also taught. *This class counts as a Math/Science/Computer/Technology Requirement.

Engineering 0710 INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester or 3 periods per cycle, 1 year Requirement: CADD Drafting is highly recommended The major focus of IED is the design process and its application. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge through hands-on projects, apply engineering standards and document their work. Students will use industry standard software to help design solutions to solve proposed problems, documenting work using an engineer’s notebook, and communicate solutions to peers and members of the professional community. Students will investigate several different areas of Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Energy & Power, 60

Environmental, Materials, Mechanical, Chemical, and Robotics.

Drafting Offerings 0761 CADD DRAFTING Offered in grades 9-12 1 or .5 credits

Class meets 6 periods per cycle, full year or 1 semester Requirement: None This course may be taken more than once for credit to allow students with a strong interest in drafting to continue to learn and grow in the field of study. Students will explore the primary language of industry. Every object created for mass production has been designed and manufactured according to a precise set of detailed drawings, or blueprints. Skills learned in drafting will enable students to design, invent, read, and interpret drawings of others. Sound mechanical design and proper terminology will be utilized throughout. Students will be using computer based software, AutoCad and Inventor to complete projects. This course is vital to future success in the engineering, or architectural, and graphic design fields. Students will utilize state of the art software to model designs in 2D, 3D and 3D printing.

0762 CADD DRAFTING II - Architectural Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: CADD Drafting This course will be a continuation of the CADD Drafting course. Students will learn a more in-depth study of CADD Drafting with an Architectural emphasis. There will be an emphasis on Drafting Standards and formal presentation.

0769 CADD DRAFTING II - Mechanical Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: CADD Drafting This course will be a continuation of the CADD Drafting course. Students will learn a more in-depth study of CADD Drafting with an Mechanical emphasis. There will be an emphasis on Drafting Standards and formal presentation.

Return to Table of Contents Telecommunications Offerings 2300 INTRO TO BROADCASTING Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 mods per cycle, 1 semester Recording after-school events is expected. Students will learn the basics of producing quality video. Studio production techniques including camera operation, audio, lighting, composition, and script writing will be covered. Camcorder use and basic editing will be explored in the second half of the course. Students are expected to be in front of the camera as well as behind it in the production of independent and small group projects each quarter.

2301 VIDEO NEWS REPORTING & VIDEO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 mods per cycle, 1 semester Recording after-school events is expected. Recommendation: An 80% or better grade in Intro to Broadcasting and teacher recommendation. Two main objectives will pervade this course: news reporting and commercial creation. Students will be expected to be on location at a minimum of four high school events to interview and film during the semester. Classroom time will be dedicated to post-production work: editing and other broadcast preparations. Students will also be expected to create promotional videos/commercials for high school events and/or activities. News reports, as well as commercials, will be broadcast on the Warrior News and may become a part of the annual year in review video.

2302 VIDEO YEARBOOK & BROADCAST PRODUCTION Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 mods per cycle, 1 semester Recording after-school events is expected. Recommendation: An 80% or better grade in Intro to Broadcasting and teacher recommendation. This course is designed for the student with a serious interest in television production and electronic news gathering as well as an interest in highlighting, narrating and editing the year’s stories and events. Those stories and events include sports matches, homecoming, music concerts, and auditorium productions such as the Talent Show, Mr. Methacton and the fall and spring plays. Acting as journalists, students will be expected to film and interview on location at a number of these events as well. An understanding of television studio production, editing techniques, graphics, and camcorder use is required. Students are expected to be available before and/or after school, and to be self-motivated.

2303 “LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION” -WRITING AND PRODUCING FILM Offered in grades 10-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 mods per cycle, 1 semester Recording after-school events is expected. Recommendation: An 80% or better grade in Intro to Broadcasting and teacher recommendation. Students will complete a number of projects in this course, the culmination of which will be a five to ten-minute film to be shown at the annual film festival. Homework assignments include meeting with your production team to film. Students will be individually assessed on their ability to write scripts, storyboard, write film treatments, direct, film and edit. Other assessments may be based on casting and acting. Production teams will be evaluated on their ability to meet deadlines and to work cooperatively.

Technology/Math These descriptions are duplicated from the Math Department section.

0460 ROBOTICS ELECTRONICS Offered in grades 9-12 .5 credits Class meets 6 periods per cycle, 1 semester Requirement: 80% or above Alg. 1 This hands-on course is for students who want to design and build electric circuits that are controlled by an Arduino microprocessor that they program. The course begins with instruction on simple circuits. Once students understand that, Arduino programming begins. Finally, sensors and motors are presented for students to employ.

1997 ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES Offered in grade 10-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 85% or better in Algebra 1 and Geometry This course is equivalent to a college-level, introductory course for non-Computer Science majors. It s an opportunity to better understand computer science and its role in the world. Core concepts include abstraction, data/information, algorithms, programming, the internet, and global impact. No prior programming experience is required. Students will be researching and writing about various topics as well as learning the basics of software programming.

Technology and Career Initiatives The proper understanding and use of technology is a major and necessary goal for all Methacton students as we continue to see great changes in our homes and the workplace. Courses across the curriculum will include varying degrees of technology competency, acquisition and training. Courses emphasizing technology are listed below, initially by department and then by career choice. Use this information to aid schedule development over your high school years.

Return to Table of Contents

STEM Career Path Listing:

Architect CADD Drafting (Tech Ed) Materials in Structure and Processing (Tech Ed) Automated Accounting (Business) Introduction to Business (Business) Entrepreneurship (Business) Business Law (Business)

Communication Intro to Broadcasting (Tech Ed) Video News Reporting & Video Commercial Production (Tech Ed) Video Yearbook & Broadcast Production (Tech Ed) “Lights, Camera, Action” - Writing and Producing Film (Tech Ed) Photography (Art) Graphic Design (Art) Adv. Graphic Design (Art) Screen Printing & Design (Art) Marketing (Business) Automated Accounting (Business) Introduction to Business (Business) Entrepreneurship (Business) Business Law (Business) Journalism/Newspaper (English) Yearbook (Special Programs)

Computer Information/Programming Business Law (Business) Robotics Electronics (Math) AP Computer Science A (Math) Advanced Java Concepts (Math) AP Computer Science Principles (Math)

Engineer Materials in Structure and Processing (Tech Ed) Automated Manufacturing (Tech Ed) CADD Drafting (Tech Ed) CADD Drafting II - Architectural (Tech Ed) CADD Drafting II - Mechanical (Tech Ed) Ceramic Art (Art) Automated Accounting (Business) Introduction to Business (Business) Entrepreneurship (Business) Business Law (Business)

Return to Table of Contents World Languages The World Language Program suggests that students study a language for several years, allowing for a progression toward fluency through reading, writing, listening, and - most importantly - speaking activities. Being able to communicate in a second language and being culturally aware provide a competitive edge in career choices for the 21st century. To further prepare for a global market, the World Language Department encourages students to study more than one language.

All World Language courses offer a variety of resources - such as on-line components, authentic reading and listening material, textbook and workbook activities and exercises - in order to meet the varied learning styles and abilities. Workbooks at the high school level may be purchased, or otherwise borrowed at no cost if returned unmarked and in good condition at the end of the school year.

Honors Requirements - 92% average required on assessments from the previous year to enter the Honors Program for the first time. An 85% average required to remain in the Honors Program

German 0300 GERMAN 1 Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle all year This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course is a communication course and uses the Komm mit! textbook series. Students learn basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures with emphasis on pronunciation and communication. Cultural instruction on family life, geography, music, holiday celebration and the German school system is included. Spoken, written and creative work is stressed and supplemented with interesting CDs, videos and movies. In addition, each chapter is supplemented with authentic cultural and internet readings that allow the students to practice their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

0301 GERMAN 2 Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% for each marking period as well as the final average in German 1 This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course is a combination of the grammar and vocabulary building of German I, and is a continuation of the textbook series Komm Mit. Realistic dialogs, communicative activities and listening/written activities give the student an opportunity to learn and practice the language and culture of Germany. Each chapter of the text is supplemented with authentic internet readings.

0302 GERMAN 3 Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 Credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% average in German 2 This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course uses the text Komm Mit as a framework. After mastering the literary past tense, additional forms of reading are used, including short stories, magazines, newspapers, and conversational texts. Construction of complex sentence structure is introduced in order to aid the students’ comprehension of German. Each chapter

65 of the text is supplemented with authentic internet readings.

0303 GERMAN 4 Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% average in German 3 This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course will enable the advanced students to increase their knowledge of vocabulary and complex sentence structure for actual application in reading literature, magazines, newspapers, and listening to videos, television programs, and cassettes. Students use the textbook series Komm Mit for vocabulary, grammar, and cultural activities, as well as using the internet for additional authentic reading and information.

0308 GERMAN 4 HONORS Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 90% average in German 3, with teacher recommendation This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course is offered for students who have successfully completed German 3 and who demonstrate strong communicative skills. Students will follow the German 4 curriculum but will have the opportunity to gain a higher level of reading comprehension and analysis skills, and to develop greater writing and speaking adeptness via enrichment activities. Students will follow the German 4 curriculum by using the textbook series Komm Mit for vocabulary, grammar, and cultural activities, as well as using the internet for additional authentic reading and information.

0309 GERMAN 5 HONORS Offered in grade 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 90% average in German 4 This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course is appropriate for students who have successfully completed German 4 and who continue to demonstrate strong communicative skills. Also based on the communicative text, Komm Mit, it is an enriched version of the regular level 5 curriculum and emphasizes additional reading, writing, listening, speaking, and Internet activities. The class studies the history and literature of Germany. Oral proficiency is stressed in discussions of daily life, politics, and current events. Additional readings are taken from other sources, including fairy tales, novels, and plays.

French 0310 FRENCH 1 Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course is based on the communicative text, Bon Voyage! Level 1. An introduction and study of basic grammar points and vocabulary are presented through themed lessons that simulate real life events. The text’s

66 ancillary material creates a large amount of learning variation through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. DVD chapter clips, National Geographic Society panoramas, cultural readings, online website activities, situation cards, and colorful photos allow students to virtually tour and experience the diversity of the Francophone world. Students are exposed frequently to native speaking and are offered many opportunities to use their speaking skills..

0311 FRENCH 2 Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: French 1 - 70% for each marking period as well as the final average in French 1 This course is also based on the communicative text Bon Voyage! and is a continuation of the Level 1 textbook. It continues to build new vocabulary and grammatical structures onto students’ prior knowledge base. The text’s ancillary material creates a large amount of learning variation through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. DVD chapter clips, National Geographic Society panoramas, cultural readings, online website activities, situation cards, and colorful photos allow students to virtually tour and experience the diversity of the Francophone world. Students are exposed frequently to native speaking and are offered many opportunities to use their speaking skills.

0312 FRENCH 2 HONORS Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 92% average required on assessments from the previous year in French 1 This course is appropriate for students who have exhibited a strong aptitude for the language at the French 1 Level. Also based on the communicative text, Bon Voyage! Level 1, it is an accelerated and enriched version that has greater emphasis on oral and written production as well as literary and oral activities. The text’s ancillary material creates a large amount learning variation through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities, DVD chapter clips, National Geographic Society panoramas, cultural readings, online website activities, situation cards, and colorful photos allow students to virtually tour and experience the diversity of the Francophone world. Students are exposed frequently to native speaking and are offered many opportunities to use their speaking skills.

0313 FRENCH 3 Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% average in French 2 This course is based on the communicative text Bon Voyage! Level 2. It continues to build new vocabulary and grammatical structures onto students’ prior knowledge base. The text’s ancillary material creates a large amount of learning variation through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. DVD chapter clips, National Geographic Society panoramas, cultural readings, online website activities, situation cards, and colorful photos allow students to virtually tour and experience the diversity of the Francophone world. Students are exposed frequently to native speaking and are offered many opportunities to use their speaking skills.

0316 FRENCH 3 HONORS Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement; 85% in French 2 Honors This course is appropriate for students who have successfully completed French 2 Honors and who continue to demonstrate strong communicative skills. Also based on the communicative text Bon Voyage! Level 2, it is 67 an accelerated and enriched version that has greater emphasis on oral and written production as well as literary and oral activities. The text’s ancillary material creates a large amount of learning variation through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. DVD chapter clips, National Geographic Society panoramas, cultural readings, online website activities, situation cards, and colorful photos allow students to virtually tour and experience the diversity of the Francophone world. Students are exposed frequently to native speaking and are offered many opportunities to use their speaking skills.

0314 FRENCH 4 Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% average in French 3 This course is also based on the communicative text, Bon Voyage! and is a continuation of the Level 2 textbook. It continues to build new vocabulary and grammatical structures onto students’ prior knowledge base. French 4 students gain a higher level of reading comprehension and analysis skills and they develop greater writing adeptness. The text’s ancillary material creates a large amount of learning variation through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. DVD chapter clips, National Geographic Society panoramas, cultural readings, online website activities, situation cards, and colorful photos allow students to virtually tour and experience the diversity of the Francophone world. Students are exposed frequently to native speaking and are offered many opportunities to use their speaking skills.

0317 FRENCH 4 HONORS Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 85% in French 3 Honors This course is appropriate for students who have successfully completed French 3 Honors and who continue to demonstrate strong communicative skills. Also based on the communicative text, Bon voyage! Level 2, it is an accelerated and enriched version of the regular level 4 curriculum that has greater emphasis on oral & written production as well as literary & aural activities. French 4 Honors students gain a higher level of reading comprehension and analysis skills, and they develop greater writing adeptness. The text’s ancillary material creates a large amount of learning variation through reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. DVD chapter clips, National Geographic Society panoramas, cultural readings, online website activities, situation cards, and colorful photos allow students to virtually tour and experience the diversity of the Francophone world. Students are exposed frequently to native speaking and are offered many opportunities to use their speaking skills.

0315 FRENCH 5 Offered in grade 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% average in French 4 This course is based on the text Bon Voyage! Level 3. Oral proficiency and listening skills are stressed in daily conversation sessions and discussions of current events. La Parure by Maupassant and Le Petit Prince by St. Exupéry have been integrated to improve reading skills and cultural understandings. Culture/current events are explored through authentic readings in French from newspapers such as Le Monde.

+1995 ADVANCED PLACEMENT FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE Offered in Grade 12 1.2 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year

Required: 85% in French 4 Honors The Advanced Placement French Language and Culture course is rigorous. It focuses on the three modes of communication: Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational. Taught in the target language, students will be given ample opportunities to improve their fluency and accuracy in language use, and to expand their comprehension of cultural perspectives and comparisons. This standards-based course is approximately equivalent to an upper-intermediate college or university French level, and is designed to prepare students for the AP French exam in May. Final project will be reading and analyzing Le Petit Prince by Saint Exupéry. Summer assignments are required.

Spanish 0330 SPANISH 1 Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course is based on a communicative approach. The textbook series ¡Asi se dice!, is the student’s passport to proficiency. Students are shown how to use language in a cultural context and are drawn into the Spanish-speaking world. The program features a wealth of motivational instruction from the text to the accompanying ancillary materials. The program’s integrated approach to language-learning develops students’ listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills with a wide variety of activities and projects as well as interactive technology. The publishing company also offers a Website designed to help students expand their language skills with grammar, vocabulary, and culture practice for each chapter.

0331 SPANISH 2 Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% per marking period and final course average in Spanish 1 This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course is an extension of the Level I program. It begins with material from the Level I textbook, and continues with a wealth of motivational instruction from the activities in the ¡Asi se dice! Level II textbook and accompanying ancillary materials. The program’s integrated approach to language learning develops students’ listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills with a wide variety of activities and projects as well as interactive technology. The website is also available for this level to help students expand their language skills with grammar, vocabulary, and culture practice by chapter.

0332 SPANISH 2 HONORS Offered in grades 9-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Required: 92% average in the area of Assessments in Spanish This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. The Spanish II Honors program is designed for the student who has demonstrated a strong aptitude for foreign language in the first year of study. The curriculum for Spanish 2 Honors program is primarily based on the second book ¡Asi se dice! series and is both accelerated and enriched. The language continues to be taught in a cultural context employing all of the motivational ancillary materials with even greater emphasis on oral proficiency, reading, and writing skills. Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite to continue in future honors Spanish language classes.

0333 SPANISH 3 Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 credit 69

Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% average in Spanish 2 This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course continues to use the ¡Asi se dice! textbook series as a major learning resource, and maintains the communicative approach begun in levels 1 and 2. Students continue to use the language in a cultural context as they are drawn into the Spanish-speaking world. Featuring a wealth of motivational ancillary materials, the program integrates listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with a wide variety of activities and projects as well as interactive technology. The website continues to help students expand their language skills with grammar, vocabulary, and culture practice for each chapter.

0339 SPANISH 3 HONORS Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 85% in Spanish 2 Honors This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course is designed for students who have completed Spanish 2 Honors and who have continued to demonstrate strong communicative skills. The Spanish 3 Honors curriculum is both accelerated and enriched, and is based on second and third levels of the ¡Asi se dice! series. All the components of the regular curriculum remain in place, but the honors curriculum progresses at a faster pace with the goal of even greater competency in all aspects of language acquisition and proficiency. Additional ancillary materials further enhance this course.

0334 SPANISH 4 Offered in grades 11,12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 75% average in Spanish 3, plus teacher recommendation This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course continues with the ¡Asi se dice! textbook series as a major learning resource which strives to develop linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity by interweaving language and culture. The focus of using language in an authentic and cultural context is first and foremost. Through its wealth of ancillary materials, the program promotes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with a large array of activities and interactive technology. The textbook website continues to offer support in practicing vocabulary, grammar, and cultural concepts for each chapter.

0340 SPANISH 4 HONORS Offered in grades 11, 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 85% in Spanish 3 Honors This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course, continuing with the ¡Asi se dice! textbook series. It strives to develop linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity by interweaving language and culture. The focus of using language in an authentic and cultural context is first and foremost. Through its wealth of ancillary materials, the program promotes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with a large array of activities and interactive technology. The textbook website continues to offer support in practicing vocabulary, grammar, and cultural concepts for each chapter. The delivery of the curriculum is at a faster pace with the goal of greater competency in all aspects of language acquisition and proficiency. Additional ancillary materials further enhance this course. Students who successfully complete Spanish 4 Honors may continue to AP Spanish or Spanish 5.

0335 SPANISH 5

Offered in grade 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 70% average in Spanish 4 or Spanish 4 Honors This course uses workbooks that can be purchased or borrowed. This course continues with the ¡Asi se dice! series as its primary resource. Its goal is to continue the development linguistic proficiency and cultural sensitivity by interweaving language and culture. The focus of using language in an authentic and cultural context is first and foremost. Students will learn about history, literature, and current events using the Spanish language as the main means of communication.

+1994 ADVANCED PLACEMENT SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE Offered in Grade 12 1.0 credit Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year Requirement: 85% in Spanish 4 Honors This course uses a workbook that can be purchased or borrowed. A textbook site licence must be purchased. The Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture course is rigorous and focuses on the three modes of communication: Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational. This standards-based course strives to promote both fluency and accuracy in language use and cultural knowledge and appreciation. It does not overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. Summer assignments will be given. This course, taught in the target language, is approximately equivalent to an upper-intermediate college or university Spanish level, and is designed to prepare students for the AP Spanish exam in May.

Special Programs Yearbook 0185 YEARBOOK Offered in grades 10-12 1.0 credit Classes meet 6 periods per cycle, all year (this course also meets in a special homeroom) Yearbook is a comprehensive course covering the basic processes of producing a Yearbook. The main work areas are in layout preparation, information gathering and journalistic reporting, photo scheduling and processing, financing, and distribution. The Methactonian itself is the product of the course. Prior knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign is helpful.

Methacton Study Skills Seminar Offered in grade 9 – 10 2500 0.25 credits per semester – Meets: 3 days/cycle The purpose of this course is to improve students’ success in academic courses and on state mandated, high stakes assessments by focusing on discipline literacy outlined in the Pennsylvania Comprehensive Literacy Plan. The key concepts presented in this course include; but are not limited to, reading strategies for narrative and informational text, study skills that promote critical thinking and active reading, organization, test-preparation, test-taking strategies, time management, goal setting, learning styles, types of questioning, and memory skills.

Pre-Career Activity Offered in grade 12 1070 semester 1 .5 credits 1072 semester 2 .5 credits

The purpose of this program is for students to gain first-hand experience in a career that requires education after high school. Participants are to line up their own contacts except for those interested in the field of education. Students interested in pursuing an educational pre-career placement within the Methacton School District need to contact Mrs. Hartson, in the Counseling Department, by April 1 of their junior year to make proper arrangements. All other pre-career applications must be completed by May 1 of the student’s junior year. Students must have parental consent as well as provide their own transportation and expenses for this activity. No compensation may be paid to the student. Released class time will vary according to the activity and courses the student has selected during their senior year. Confirmation of this program will not occur until all schedules are set during the summer months. A quarterly journal indicating the hours spent and activities performed will be required once the program begins. Return to Table of Contents

ESL- English as a Second Language Students in ESL I, II and III receive English credit for graduation. Academic English is recommended for ESL 4 students. Credits from other ESL courses count as Arts and Humanities credits. All ESL course placements are made in consultation with ESL staff and are based on assessment scores and previous ESL coursework. Additional periods of ESL may be scheduled as necessary.

2201 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE I Class meets 12 periods per cycle, all year credit variable This course is for beginning English language learners. Basic communication skills are emphasized, as well as American culture and customs.

2202 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE II Class meets 12 periods per cycle, all year credit variable ESL II builds on skills learned in ESL I, with increased emphasis on reading, writing, and content area vocabulary.

2203 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IIIA Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit This course integrates higher-level grammar and vocabulary skills with grade appropriate literature and writing skills. Course is designed primarily for students in grades 9 and 10.

2206 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IIIB Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit This course integrates higher-level grammar and vocabulary skills with grade appropriate literature and writing skills. Course is designed primarily for students in grades 11 and 12.

2204 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IVA Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit This course focuses on advanced grammar and specialized vocabulary as well as grade appropriate literature and writing skills. Course is designed primarily for students in grades 9 and 10.

2207 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IVB Class meets 6 periods per cycle, all year 1.0 credit This course focuses on advanced grammar and specialized vocabulary as well as grade appropriate literature and writing skills. Juniors and seniors in this course will receive some SAT and TOEFL practice. 72

2205 ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE V Class meets 3 periods or 6 periods per cycle, all year .5 or 1.0 credit This course focuses on writing and higher level vocabulary. It includes practice for the SAT and the TOEFL, as well as assistance in meeting the demands of college essay writing, the completion of college applications, and resume writing.

Gifted Seminar program The Methacton High School Gifted Seminar program is designed to help academically talented or gifted students realize the maximum potential of their talents. It also provides for the identification and exploration of various PA Dept. of Education provisions. Before entering the program, each student must meet eligibility requirements as established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Methacton School District. A gifted individual education program (GIEP) is written for each student. Students may take any seminar course without having taken the preceding year’s class.

5013 GIFTED SEMINAR 1: THE WORLD INSIDE Offered in grade 9 Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year .5 credit In an enriched atmosphere, students will identify and strengthen their personal learning styles, personality types, and discover how each of these components integrates into how they learn and work. Students will study the geniuses of the world (past and present) and their successes and apply them to their own GIEP goals and objectives. The purpose of this class is to meet the needs of student’s own strengths and weaknesses. The use of the Socratic Method will intensify leadership qualities as well as divergent thinking. In addition, each student will choose an individual project (community service, research, or a competition) to help address the goals of all gifted/talented students. The completions of these projects will be within the school day, and during the seminar itself. Lecturers, video conferencing, and group projects on class-selected topics will also be available throughout the year. A beginning resume, the introduction to college choice, class schedules and mapping throughout the secondary experience, and the opportunities found in various careers will also be presented.

5014 GIFTED SEMINAR 2A: THE WORLD OUTSIDE – GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES Offered in grade 10 Class meets 3 periods per cycle, all year .5 credit Required Summer Reading: The Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Students shall continue to strengthen their higher order thinking skills, especially in respect to divergent thinking by creative problem solving and analytical thinking. Students will focus on the concepts of critical thinking as expressed through philosophical literature in both pre-Socratic and Eastern philosophical views. This material will enrich the current English and Social studies curriculum of the tenth grade. A writing workshop is held once a month to enhance the understanding of focus, content, organization and the mechanics of a good essay. The Socratic Method will be used to enhance further oral communication and leadership skills. Lecturers and video-conferencing will have a strong connection to career and college choice. College visits by the year’s end will give students a working criterion to make a good college choice by knowing what they want. These opportunities will allow students to practice risk-taking, interpersonal skills, and self-motivation.

5015 GIFTED SEMINAR 2B: CAREER AND COLLEGE CHOICE EXPLORATION Offered in grade 11 Class meets 2 periods per cycle, all year .5 credit 73

Each student will research and present their chosen field of occupational interest. An investigation of finances, responsibilities, and educational opportunities will be presented through guest and class lectures as well as a marking period project of a life budget. College preparation will also be discussed as a natural result of career choice. Qualifications of colleges that fit the educational criteria of the chosen career will be further researched and Naviance shall be used. Preparation of college essay topics, interview techniques, continued updating of resumes, as well as visits by guest lecturers and college admissions advisers will solidify the student’s decision-making process. Students will develop and strengthen interpersonal, oral communication, leadership, and risk-taking skills as part of these pre-college and pre-career situations. Scholarships as well as scholarship application will be researched and presented.

5016 GIFTED SEMINAR 3: GETTING IT DONE Offered in grade 12 Senior Homeroom –.5 credits Requirement: Students must speak with seminar teacher in junior year. Students will continue or begin work on a personal independent project, competitions such as History Day, Siemens’ Challenge, or the West Point Bridge competition or other choices. Mentorships established in junior year, or research can be continued with advisor's approval. Discussions, lectures, and professional presentations both inside and outside of school, and student presentations will be used to strengthen the individual and his/her goals as set forth by the student. School trips will be planned and implemented. The homeroom shall serve as a base of operation to disseminate material. Additional class time can supplement the hours needed to complete this half credit course. ALL STUDENTS CONSIDERING GIFTED SEMINAR HOMEROOM MUST SPEAK WITH THE TEACHER IN THEIR JUNIOR YEAR.

Community Service Learning Program *Students do not select Community Service as a course; rather, they should complete hours of service in thirty hour increments and turn in all completed log forms to their school counselor. Credit is awarded throughout the year and will appear on the transcript.

Offered in grades 9-12 .25 credits/30 hours PASS/FAIL Many students in the Methacton School District are currently performing service in their community and schools. The Community Service Program was created as a way to reward students who are making a difference and becoming active participants in our democratic society. Through their service, they are learning more about themselves, their community, and exploring future careers (service learning). Students receive .25 credits for every 30 hours of documented service, and there is no limit to the number of hours, or credit, each year. Service hours are from end of one school year until the end of the next. This credit helps them to meet elective credit for graduation. The Coordinator will meet with the student to explain the program, suggest service opportunities, and to explain the reflection component.

Dual Enrollment Programs Students may receive both college and high school credit for the successful completion of select Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) courses. Students are subject to additional costs for books, and registration fees are incurred by taking these courses. The availability of these courses will depend on student interest, as no course will run with fewer than 10 students registering and total available seats. These courses will receive a weighted value of 1.1 in the calculation of Grade Point Average and Class Rank. MHS advises that each student research the schools he or she is interested in attending to verify the transferability of Methacton’s Dual Enrollment, or MCCC course credits.

For dual credit classes taught by College faculty, students will be charged the prevailing rate for tuition and fees. The charge in 2016-17 was $168/credit ($504 for a three credit class). An increase in the charge per credit is expected for 2017-18, but is not yet available. MCCC will bill the student’s family directly and these fees are payable directly to MCCC. Students are also responsible for purchasing the textbook for the class.

For dual credit classes taught by approved high school teachers, students will be charged the cost of only one credit for a three or four credit course. The charge in 2016-17 was $168/course. An increase in the charge per credit is expected for 2017-18, but is not yet available. These fees are payable directly to MCCC. Students are also responsible for purchasing the textbook for the class.

*DE CHE 121 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I 4 MCCC Credits 1.2 High School Credits Taught on-site at the High School Enrollment has a limited number of seats and is capped. Offered in grades 10-11 Class meets 7 periods per cycle, all year Requirements: 82% or better in Academic Biology, Academic Algebra I and Academic Geometry, or a 72% in Honors levels of these courses. Students must purchase their textbook from MCCC’s campus bookstore (approx. $150 new and $95 used). General Chemistry I (CHE 121) is a Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) chemistry course designed to acquaint liberal arts and nursing majors with certain fundamental facts, principles, and techniques of chemistry with a view toward their application in modern life. Upon completion of the course with at least a 70% average, you will earn 4 college credits (3 lecture, 1 lab) in chemistry through MCCC. These credits are considered “highly transferrable” to many 4-year universities as long as you are not majoring in a science or engineering. Passing this course will also satisfy one (1) of the three (3) science credits required for Methacton graduation. The rigor of this course will be greater than Methacton’s Academic Chemistry course, but not as rigorous as Methacton’s Honors Chemistry course.

+ DE CHI 101 ELEMENTARY CHINESE 3 MCCC Credits and .5 High School Credits Study the fundamentals of the Chinese language. Pronunciation and grammatical rules are taught in class and reinforced with the use of tapes and videos. The emphasis is placed on actual verbal communication. Open to students who have no previous knowledge of Chinese.

+DE ECO 121 MACROECONOMICS 3 MCCC Credits and .5 High School Credits Students are introduced to the basic economic problem, the study of economics, and the American capitalist market system. Macroeconomic topics discussed are the business cycle, inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and government policies for stability and growth.

+DE ECO 122 MICROECONOMICS 3 MCCC Credits and .5 High School Credits Prerequisite – DE ECO 121 Macroeconomics Students are introduced to the American capitalist market system. Microeconomic topics discussed are markets, pricing, competition, and resource allocation both domestically and internationally. Also discussed are government policies directed at solving problems in these areas.

+DE EDU 100 EDUCATION 3 MCCC Credits and .5 High School Credits for grades 11 and 12 This course is designed to give prospective teachers an introduction to education, including historical, ethical, legal, and theoretical perspectives, cultural influences, as well as classroom management techniques. While in class, students will participate in various instructional strategies both individually and in group settings. The course requires students to complete 20 hours of field experience/observation in an early childhood, elementary, or secondary school setting in order to reflect on present-day practices and the diverse roles and responsibilities of teachers in today's world. This experience will help prospective teachers to confirm their career choice. Students will also apply for all necessary child care background clearances. Students must have a valid driver’s license prior to the beginning of the year and have access to transportation to complete the observations.

+DE EDU 210 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 3 MCCC Credits and .5 High School Credits This course investigates three models (Behavioristic, Humanistic, and Cognitive) of human functioning and selected learning strategies derived from each. In addition, a number of traits and behaviors (e.g. SES, culture, motivation, curiosity, creativity, and intelligence) related to children's learning and cognitive developments are explored.

+ DE ENG 238 LITERARY VISION OF FILM 3 MCCC College Credits and .5 High School Credit This course focuses on film as a mode of literary expression. After we develop baseline knowledge of the techniques and devices of literature, selected films are viewed and discussed as works of literature. Only films that were created as films - that is, not based on books or works of drama - are considered. This is not a “film” course, and techniques related to film are not studied. MHS course 0121 Introduction to Film is a prerequisite to this course. Return to Table of Contents Special Education Programs The Methacton School District provides special education programs for identified, eligible students. Programs include adaptations, accommodations, and specially designed instruction in order that students may access the general curriculum. A multi-disciplinary comprehensive evaluation and the development of an individualized education program (IEP) determine student eligibility and need for a special education program. Continuation in special education is determined through reevaluation. It includes input from general and special education staff, review of student progress, standardized testing, and team evaluation.

Emotional support program The goal of this program is academic remediation and successful adjustment to the high school environment. Specially designed instruction is available in small group instructional settings. Behavioral assessment, planning, and the group process provide emotional and behavioral supports. Adaptations and accommodations may be extended to the general education setting as determined by the student’s IEP.

Learning support program The goal of the learning support program is to meet the academic needs of eligible students. Small group and

76 individual instruction are typical supports. Modifications, adaptations, and accommodations are made to the general curriculum depending upon an individual student’s IEP goals and objectives.

Learning support work/study program The work-study program extends Methacton School District’s learning support program with the addition of vocational training, community living instruction, and supervised job placement in the student’s junior or senior year.

Advanced Placement Programs The Advanced Placement (AP) Program provides able, interested students the opportunity for college-level learning and for demonstrating their accomplishment through the Advanced Placement Examinations. These courses are extremely challenging and students can reasonably expect that these studies will not be repeated at college. Thus, students should carefully select these courses based on their abilities and demonstrated performances.

Advanced Placement Examinations are offered annually to give high school students opportunities to demonstrate college-level achievement. Students who successfully complete the Advanced Placement exams MAY, but are not guaranteed, to receive the following benefits:

1. Exemption by your college or university from beginning courses and permission to take higher-level courses in certain fields. 2. Tuition savings - up to a year of credit may be given for three or more qualifying Advanced Placement grades. 3. Eligibility for honors and other special programs open to students who have received Advanced Placement recognition. *We strongly suggest contacting the school(s) you wish to attend to find out if they provide credit for AP. Students who elect to take the Advanced Placement Examinations are required to pay the test fee. Our scheduling system makes it possible to schedule only two laboratory courses in a school year. AP Chemistry and AP Physics are mutually restrictive courses, and cannot be scheduled in the same year while maintaining a full course load. Students who are considering scheduling this sequence are strongly encouraged to meet with their counselor. Return to Table of Contents

Courses +1969 AP EUROPEAN HISTORY +1970 AP U. S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS +1972 AP ART HISTORY +1973 AP STUDIO ART +1974 AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION (11) +1975 AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION (12) +1976 AP PSYCHOLOGY +1977 AP UNITED STATES HISTORY +1978 AP CALCULUS AB +1979 AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

+1980 AP CHEMISTRY +1981 AP BIOLOGY +1982 AP PHYSICS (CALCULUS BASED) +1983 AP CALCULUS BC +1991 AP MUSIC THEORY +1993 AP STATISTICS +1994 AP SPANISH +1995 AP FRENCH +1998 AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A

Advanced Placement Tests Methacton Senior High School participates in a program of College-Level Examinations for Secondary School Students. Over 90% of the nation’s colleges give credit and/or advanced placement to students whose AP Examination grades are considered acceptable. Standard AP exam fees will apply. Further information on tests can be secured in Dr. Kochenour’s office.

Return to Table of Contents

NORTH MONTCO TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER INFORMATION North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC) offers 22 programs within 8 cluster areas including: Construction Trades, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Engineering/Manufacturing, Horticulture (replaces Floral and Landscaping), Health & Human Services, Power & Transportation and Visual Communications. The school serves approximately 1000 students from 5 surrounding school districts. Students can attend the school as either part time or full time students. In addition to technical training, NMTCC provides academic courses to the full time students within all eight clusters.

College credits are awarded for many of NMTCC’s programs through dual enrollment/articulation agreements with post-secondary institutions upon successful completion of the program.

CONSTRUCTION TRADES CLUSTER Construction Carpentry The Construction Carpentry program covers instruction in safe and proper use of hand and power tools, drywall work, counter tops, finish carpentry, as well as building wood frame structures such as rough framing, roofing, and siding. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $255.

Electrical Trades Experienced electricians are in serious demand. Students in the Electrical Trades program learn about residential and commercial/industrial wiring and low-voltage systems, involving communication voice data and security systems. The program consists of instruction in electrical AC-DC theory, National Electric Code, wiring methods and industrial applications. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $150.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) The HVAC program consists of basic to advanced instruction in both the installation and servicing of residential

78 systems. Students are trained in electrical principles, oil and gas heating, air conditioning, heat pumps and basic refrigeration systems. NMTCC’s HVAC program has been granted accreditation by HVAC Excellence. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $200

COSMETOLOGY CLUSTER Cosmetology students learn the competencies and skills needed to pass the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology practical and written licensing exams through a program that meets the state-required hours of instruction. Students must complete 1250 hours of instruction, with at least a 75% grade average, before they are eligible to take the State Board of Cosmetology license examination. The program covers instruction in a) cosmetology (hair care), b) esthetics (skin care and make-up), c) nail technology, and d) salon management. Students apply theory and skills and strengthen competencies through hands-on experience including a clinic open to the community. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $500.

Culinary Arts Cluster From prep cook to executive chef, the culinary industry offers a world of career possibilities. NMTCC’s Culinary Arts program is nationally certified as an American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF) secondary certified program. Learning takes place in the classroom, kitchen, bakery and restaurant. After completing a one year rotation in the Culinary Arts Program, students have the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas: baking and pastry art, culinary chef, institutional (large quantity) food preparation. Students completing the program may enter the workforce or continue their education in college. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $100-250 depending on specialization.

ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING CLUSTER Drafting and Design Students in the Drafting and Design program work with industry-standard software, computers and equipment to prepare for careers in drafting. Throughout the training at NMTCC, students will gradually master techniques in Drafting and Design utilizing ANSI/ASME standards. The course will start with Basic Drafting that includes Orthographic Projection, Auxiliary Views, Section Views, Dimensioning, Fasteners, Axonometric, and other basic drafting skills and will continue with learning how to use many of the latest software packages. These include the latest versions of AutoCAD, Architectural Desktop, Inventor, 3D Studio, and other related software packages. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $45.

Mechatronics The Mechatronics program offered at NMTCC provides a synergistic approach to the understanding of the principles in the engineering field. The program focuses on mechatronics engineering technology, which is a multidisciplinary field where workers design, troubleshoot, maintain and repair sophisticated automated equipment through a systems approach. Students will perform activities and obtain fundamental knowledge in the following areas: electrical, electronics, robotics, mechanical systems, fluid power systems, programmable logic controllers, control systems and mechatronics. Engineers and technicians with training in mechatronic systems have the greatest career mobility across technical disciplines. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $25. In partnership with Reading Area Community College, students can earn up to 16 college credits towards a degree in Mechatronics Engineering

Technology for successful completion of their technical course work completed at NMTCC.

Precision Machining The Precision Machining Technology course of study is designed to prepare the interested student for varied manufacturing opportunities. The demands for the highly skilled artisan are many. From the Machine Operator to the Toolmaker, from the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator to the CNC Programmer, all start with the experience and training found in our complete precision machining lab.

The program is nationally certified with the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). It emphasizes the safe and proper operation of metalworking machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, precision grinders, and drill presses. The course also includes an introduction to layout and blueprint reading and instruction in computer numerical control (CNC) machining. Success in this field requires a strong work discipline, good eyesight, an aptitude for math, sound logic, and manual dexterity. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $100.

Welding & Fabrication Welding and Fabrication students learn the skills and techniques necessary for success in a career that values well trained, experienced workers. They learn MIG and TIG welding as well as gas welding and about the operation of welding and metal fabrication machinery. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $275.

Horticulture (replaced Floral and Landscaping Cluster) The Horticulture program will provide students with a working knowledge, understanding, and application of skills important to establishing, maintaining, and managing horticulture enterprises. Practical landscape experience will be gained in planting and maintaining areas of the school campus. Operating a small production greenhouse and a school flower shop will enhance business and managerial skills. Aquaponics has been added to the curriculum. This up and coming industry deals with growing plants without soil and raising fish in a contained area. Students design arrangements for sale in the school store, and take orders for special events. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $60.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES CLUSTER Biotechnology Biotechnology is a diverse and challenging field with excellent opportunities for career growth in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as research. The program introduces students to core competencies and practical applications. Students comply with safety guidelines while learning standard laboratory techniques of microbiology, preparing media and solutions and using laboratory equipment. Specialized training is then provided in cell culture, protein purification, recombinant DNA technology, and forensics. This is a laboratory intensive program that integrates technical competency with employability skills and related academic content.

In partnership with Montgomery County Community College, a junior/senior course is available at NMTCC. Students earn eight college credits for an introductory survey course in Biotechnology and a laboratory course emphasizing technical skills and instrumentation. The application process includes a personal interview, a visit to the Biotechnology laboratory, a letter of recommendation from a science teacher, and submission of a completed application form with a high school transcript. Acceptance into the program is determined in the 80 spring. Students accepted into the morning session are required to provide their own transportation to NMTCC, since class starts at 7:30 am. Students accepted into the afternoon session are responsible for their transportation. If there are issues with this, please contact your school counselor at Methacton High School. Prerequisites: Biology and concurrent Chemistry

Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $75.

Health Occupations Health Occupations Technology curriculum focuses on the delivery of quality health care to clients in various settings. It includes hands-on experience at local health care facilities and provides the technical training needed to pursue a healthcare career. Curriculum includes a one-year state-approved nurse aide-training program, which all students are expected to complete after satisfactory mastery of the core skills.

A physical exam, negative tuberculosis test, proof of Hepatitis B vaccination, and a cleared Criminal Record Check must be obtained prior to entrance into the program. These requirements must be fulfilled every year of enrollment. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $200.

Protective Services Protective Services program will provide students with an experience in the general public service occupation cluster. After covering a broad curriculum, students will specialize in several aspects of emergency medical service, police science, security, firefighting and other related occupational fields. Students are encouraged to pursue post-secondary training for more career opportunities. Community service is also a requirement of this program. A cleared Criminal Record Check must be obtained prior to entrance into the program.

th th In 11 and 12 grade, students have the opportunity to specialize in either law enforcement/criminal justice OR security and loss prevention. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $200.

Allied Health Grade 12 Allied Health Technology is designed for college preparatory students who are interested in pursuing a medical or health science career after high school. The program is unique in that it is based in Abington Lansdale Hospital. Students enrolled in this program will report daily to the hospital where they will receive theoretical and technical instruction. In addition, through a weekly schedule of clinical rotations, students will gain practical experience while working beside the individual professionals in their specific departments. The Allied Health program is a great way for student to test their dreams of becoming health care professionals.

This program will take students into major department of the hospital, such as – Emergency Room, Nursing Care Units, Medical Laboratory, Medical Imaging, Respiratory Care, Pharmacy, Cardiology, Physical Therapy, Intensive Care, and Operating Room.

th Criteria for Admission—Students should apply for admission while in 11 grade. Only 12 total students will be accepted into this program each year. GPA, attendance, conduct records, and letters of recommendation are primary considerations for acceptance. Performance in an interview will be evaluated as well. Students must have signed approval from a science teacher, school counselor and parent or guardian. A physical exam,

81 negative two-step tuberculosis skin test, proof of Hepatitis B vaccination, and a cleared criminal record check must be obtained prior to entrance into the program. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $150.

POWER & TRANSPORTATION CLUSTER Auto Collision Repair The Auto Collision Repair Program is focused on high tech training necessary to diagnose and repair the finish coatings, cosmetic features, structure, and complex components/systems in today’s automobiles. Any student successfully completing this program, or a segment of specialized instruction, can expect to be prepared for employment in this industry, or pursue advanced technical training at the post-secondary level and be ready for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $100.

Automotive Technology In accordance with National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation/Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NATEF/ASE) and AYES standards, the Automotive Technology program provides current curriculum, instructional materials, and equipment that are needed to reinforce knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate to industry needs. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $100.

Diesel Truck Technology As the trucking industry continues to expand, the demand is growing for mechanics and technicians to repair and maintain diesel engines. Upon completion of the Diesel Truck Technology program, students may secure employment as entry-level technicians or advance their education and training. This program follows the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation/Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NATEF/ASE) standards for Diesel Truck technology. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $100.

Recreational Power Equipment From recreational vehicles and equipment such as snowmobiles, jet skis, and motorcycles, to lawn and garden equipment, such as mowers and chain saws, small engines power many machines that make our lives easier and more enjoyable. The Recreational Power Equipment program is the study of “how and why” machinery operates along with the “whys” of machinery failure and the learning of “how to” diagnose the problems and make proper, efficient repairs. Students will be able to specialize in different areas of repairing and maintaining this equipment. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $100.

WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS The Warehousing & Logistics Program prepares individuals to manage and coordinate logistical functions in an enterprise and to undertake the responsibilities associated with receiving, storing, shipping, controlling and distributing products and materials and the various systems and record keeping pertaining to these operations. Students will be instructed in the use of storage space, inventory control and shipping/receiving practices; equipment such as fork lifts, conveyors, hand trucks, carts and other devices used to transport materials and/or

82 supplies to various destinations; and the various types of packaging techniques necessary for safe transport of goods. This program is offered in the afternoon to 11th and 12th grade students. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $100.

VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS CLUSTER Commercial and Advertising Art The Commercial and Advertising Art Program offers instruction encompassing a broad spectrum of art and design related occupations. Students are introduced to the tools and techniques needed to become successful commercial artists. Core curriculum focuses on two-dimensional design, digital imaging, illustration, and the principles of advertising. Hands-on learning will provide students with the background needed to develop a viable portfolio. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $50.

Graphic Arts The Graphic Arts program offers instruction encompassing a broad spectrum of design and occupations. The major areas of study in the graphic arts program include design and layout, typography, offset printing operation, bindery, document management/quick copy center operations, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Students will be required to purchase items for this program at an approximate cost of $50.

Internet Technologies The Internet Technologies program is an instructional program that prepares individuals to apply technical skills in support and design of computer systems and networks. The program includes instruction in website design as well as game and simulation development. The program also provides a technical foundation for college-bound students pursuing a career in information technology and provides the training for students to acquire several industry certifications. The course includes the Oracle and Cisco Academies, which provide training in computer networking, database design, computer system support, computer repair and service, and other IT subjects.

SCHOOL TO CAREER LEARNING PROGRAMS AT NORTH MONTCO TECHNICAL CAREER CENTER: School-to-career learning programs at NMTCC combine quality education with worksite learning so students are given the opportunity to apply the valuable skills they are learning. The School-to-Career office can assist with creating a resume and developing interviewing skills. This office also provides job posting for students who want to gain real-life, on-the-job experience before graduating from high school. One of NMTCC’s School-to-Career programs may be the opportunity you need to further your career goal.

The programs available to students at NMTCC include: ● internship ● Pennsylvania Youth Apprenticeship Program (PYAP) ● Cooperative Education (Co-Op)

Internship (non-paid) Internships provide students with the opportunity to spend time at local businesses and non-profit organizations. Internships also provide valuable, real-life experience, build interpersonal and workplace skills and enable students to put classroom theory into practice

Pennsylvania Youth Apprenticeship Program (PYAP) This employer-driven program offers paid, on-the-job training experience through a partnership with a sponsoring company. Employers participate with school staff to develop and monitor the curriculum and th th th standards. The program is offered to 10 , 11 , and 12 grade students. On the job work experience is designed th th for 11 and 12 grade students. Students must have successfully completed all major academic subjects and be on grade level to enroll in this program. Students must complete an application and interview process as well as sign a training agreement accepting responsibilities of the position. Academic and technical instruction is delivered at NMTCC in an integrated learning environment as applicable to the youth apprentice’s career plan.

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Students who wish to begin building their resume before they graduate should consider the Cooperative Education program. This paid work experience is designed for seniors enrolled in a NMTCC program who have demonstrated competence in their field and have secured the necessary recommendations. Students who qualify for this program have the opportunity to obtain real work experience and practice the specific skills they have learned.

SOAR – Students Occupationally and Academically Ready A SOAR program is a Pennsylvania Department of Education approved, Career & Technical Education Program that credits skills and tasks learned at the high school level to a post-secondary (college) degree, diploma or certificate program. SOAR programs prepare today’s student for tomorrow’s high demand and high wage careers.

To view current advanced credit opportunities articulated with post-secondary institutions, go to Search for Equivalencies under the Search button at www.collegetransfer.net, select PA Bureau of Career and Technical Education at the “From” drop down menu.

Academic Programs All students who attend NMTCC on a full time basis take their academic courses in the context of their career objective. Health and PE are integrated with the technical curriculum. Resources such as computer interactive instruction and academic support are provided.

th th Social Studies for 11 and 12 grade (third session) students is offered for students who may need the credits. Health/Physical Education classes are offered for students who may need these credits.

Tech Prep Tech prep is a sequence of academic and technical coursework leading to an Associate’s Degree in a technical field. The program focuses on academic and technical preparation that provides for a smooth transition from the secondary program into two or more years of post-secondary education. Through articulation, postsecondary institutions may grant credit for completing college-level learning at NMTCC, which minimizes the need for duplication of course work and a time-shortened track to a degree. Return to Table of Contents Please see sample schedules below.

Sample Student Schedules (Underclassmen)

These are only examples. Students are not obligated to take these exact combinations of courses.

Grade 9 0111 Literacy 1 0091 Acad. Eng. 0092 Hon. Eng. 0092 Hon. Eng. 0201 Euro. Studies 0201 Euro. Studies 0202 Soc. Stud. Hon. 1969 AP European 0417 Sec. Conc. Alg 0419 Algebra I 0430 Geometry 0426 Hon. Alg. II/Trig 0505 Environmental 0505 Environmental 0506 Hon. Environmental 0510 Hon. Bio. * 0330 World Lang. 1 03** World Lang. 2 03** World Lang. 2 Hon. 0507 Acc. Environmental * 0001 PE YR 0001 PE 0001 PE 03** World Lang. Hon Elective Electives Electives 0001 & 0002 PE

Both PE courses (semester 1 course and semester 2 course) are always requested together as a block since students always take both.

Grade 10

0101 Eng. 10 0101 Eng. 10 0107 Eng. 10 Hon. 1985 AP Capstone Seminar 0204 World Cult. 0204 World Cult. 0205 Cult. 10 Hon. 0205 *AP Human Geography 0429 Fund. of Geom. 0430 Geometry 0421 Alg.2/Trig. 0442 Hon. Pre-Calc. 0510 Acad. Bio. 0511 Acad. Bio 0510 Hon. Bio. 0535 Hon. Chem. 0995 Vo-Tech AM 03** World Lang. 3 03** Language 3 Hon 03** World Lang. 3 Hon 1020 V-T Health & 0001 PE YR 0001 PE YR 0001 PE YR PE 0011 Health 0011 Health 0011 Health 0860 Cons. Dec. 0802 FACS 0802 FACS Electives Electives Electives These are only examples. Students are not obligated to take these exact combinations of courses. Return to Table of Contents

Sample Student Schedules (Upperclassmen)

Grade 11 These are only examples. Students are not obligated to take these exact combinations of courses.

0102 Acad. Eng. 11 0102 Acad. Eng. 11 0108 Hon. Eng. 11 1974 AP Eng. 11 0211 US & PA 0211 US & PA 0212 US&PA Hon. 1977 AP US Hist. 0420 Alg. 2 0421 Alg. 2/Trig 0441 Pre-Calculus 1978 AP Calc. AB 0530 Chem. Com. 0530 Acad. Chem.* 0535 Hon. Chem.* 0551 Hon. Physics* 0997 Vo-Tech PM 03** World Lang. 4 03** World Lang. 4 Hon. 03** World Lang. 4 Hon. 85

0011 Health 0011 Health 0011 Health 1021 VT Health & and and and PE 0017 PE 0017 PE 0017 PE AP Chem. or other Electives Electives Electives

Grade 12 These are only examples. Students are not obligated to take these exact combinations of courses.

0109 Hon. Eng. 12 or 1975 AP Eng. 12 or 0103 Acad. Eng. 12 0103 Acad. Eng. 12 0110 English Writing 0110 English Writing 0251 US Gov.& Econ 0251 US Gov. & Econ Fellows 0427 Trigonometry 0441 Pre-Calculus Fellows 0453 Probability 0252 Gov. & Econ Hon. 1970 AP Gov. 0409 Contemp. Calc. 0545 Oceanography 0550 Acad. Physics* 1983 AP Calc. BC 0551 Hon. Physics* 0997 Vo-Tech PM 03** World Lang. 5 19** AP Science(s) 03** Hon. World Lang.5 1021 VT Health & 001* PE Elective 1994 AP World Lang. 001* PE Elective PE Electives 001* PE Elective Electives Electives